Former Kawempe South Member of Parliament, Mubarak Munyagwa, has been remanded on charges of trespassing into a piece of land and maliciously destroying a cassava plantation worth Shs5 million.
The alleged offenses took place in Mutugo cell, Wakiso district. Munyagwa has been jointly charged with Paddy Kabuye, the Bugu zone LC1 chairperson of Busabala ward-Masajja, Ssekitoleko Issa (a casual laborer), Joweria Nakafeero, and Godfrey Buwembo, a student.
The group was reportedly arrested by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit on Sunday, June 4, 2023, following a complaint filed by the landowner. The land in question is situated on Block 272, plot 256, Dechomai Asset Trust number Three LCC.
According to the owner, he obtained a lease on the land but has been unable to enjoy peaceful possession due to Munyagwa and his colleagues claiming ownership of the same.
Munyagwa and the co-accused appeared before the Chief Magistrate of Kajjansi Court, Doreen Olga Karungi, and denied four counts, including criminal trespass, malicious damage to property, and conspiracy to commit a felony.
Prosecution, led by Charlotte Kwikiriza, alleges that between May 26th and June 3rd, 2023, in Mutungo cell, Wakiso district, the group intentionally entered the disputed land with the intention to cause annoyance and destroyed the cassava plantation belonging to Janan Opio.
The suspects have denied the charges and have been remanded to Kigo prison until June 12, 2023, for mention and bail hearing.
Meanwhile, Munyagwa maintains that he rightfully purchased the land from Ssekitoleke’s family for Shs310 million.