Kampala, Uganda: Still in the twists surrounding the ongoing forgery saga against Counsel David Balondemu, the Chairman Kampala District Land Board, this website further highlights significant flaws in the recent case filed by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU). This new revelation raises fresh doubts about the integrity of the case.
SHACU’s latest accusation centers on medical documents purportedly forged by Balondemu and attributed to Kampala Hospital. However, new findings suggest the alleged forgery could not have occurred under the claimed circumstances. At the time SHACU alleges Balondemu was at Kampala Hospital forging the documents, he was, in fact, held in custody at Wandegeya Police Station, an entirely different location. Given the distance between Wandegeya Police Station and Kampala Hospital in Kololo, Balondemu’s simultaneous presence in both places is virtually impossible.
Further Defects in SHACU’s Case
Besides this geographic anomaly, two other major issues have surfaced in SHACU’s forgery case. Firstly, no complainant has come forward, an omission that echoes previous cases against Balondemu. In those cases, not a single individual accused him of theft or any personal loss. SHACU was ultimately unable to present any witnesses or evidence, leading to the dismissal of these cases by the magistrates involved.
Balondemu has since filed a lawsuit against the Attorney General, demanding UGX20Bn in damages for wrongful arrest, detention, and malicious prosecution. Should he win, the burden of financial compensation would fall on Ugandan taxpayers, a situation highlighting SHACU and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) alleged lack of diligence in handling these cases.
Faulty Logic in Alleged Forgery
Strikingly, SHACU and the DPP are charging Balondemu for allegedly submitting the forged documents to court, even though it was his lawyers who introduced the contested medical forms. This inconsistency points to possible errors or oversights in SHACU’s approach to the case, undermining the credibility of their claims.
Parallels with KCCA Case Reveal Systemic Issues
The Investigator’s scrutiny extends to another case, involving 57 charges of manslaughter and negligence brought against former Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) executives. These charges, stemming from the tragic collapse of the Kiteezi landfill, cost over 50 lives and destroyed millions in property.
The case implicates former KCCA Executive Director Dorothy Kisaka, her deputy Eng. Joseph Luyimbazi, and former health director Dr. Daniel Okello. However, serious questions arise regarding why Dr. Ramathan Ggoobi, Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, was not charged. Months prior to the disaster, Kisaka had notified Ggoobi of the landfill’s deteriorating state, requesting funds to avert a crisis. Despite the looming catastrophe, funds were not provided, and the DPP has not pursued charges against Ggoobi.
The parliamentary committee COSASE recently issued a report urging Ggoobi’s prosecution for his role in the tragedy, a recommendation the DPP has yet to act upon. Moreover, COSASE cited Hajjat Minsa Kabanda and Kabuye Kyofatogabye, two cabinet ministers responsible for Kampala’s oversight, for neglecting to intervene, which ultimately contributed to the landfill’s collapse.
Government Response Under Scrutiny
Accusations of selective prosecution and double standards plague the DPP’s handling of the Kiteezi landfill case. The absence of charges against officials outside KCCA—despite parliamentary recommendations—raises questions about scapegoating KCCA leaders, potentially deflecting responsibility from those who failed to release necessary funds. Critics argue that if the DPP does not re-evaluate its approach, the KCCA case, like others, could collapse in court. Any ensuing lawsuits for wrongful prosecution would once again financially impact Ugandan taxpayers.
A Call for Reform
These incidents highlight the need for a reformed approach to high-stakes prosecutions, with SHACU and the DPP urged to uphold ethical standards, impartiality, and thoroughness in their mandates. Taxpayers cannot continue bearing the financial burden of flawed prosecutions and unaccounted-for mistakes.
Author Profile
- Mr. Stephen Kasozi Muwambi is a seasoned crime investigative writer, majoring in judicial-based stories. His two decades’ experience as a senior investigative journalist has made him one of the best to reckon on in Uganda. He can also be reached via [email protected]
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