UGANDA, Kampala | Real Muloodi News | In a recent legal development, Kampala Land Board Chairperson, David Balondemu, found himself back in court facing fresh charges of alleged fraud.
The accusations revolve around the purported obtaining of over USh2 billion from a United States-based company, KG Unlimited LLC.
Balondemu, who also practices law in the city, appeared before Buganda Road Chief Magistrates Court alongside Joseph Ibona, the accountant for Bloom Advocates Limited.
Both individuals pleaded not guilty to charges of obtaining money by pretence and conspiracy to commit a felony.
Despite the denial, the court remanded them to Luzira Prison. Lengthy submissions from their legal representatives aimed at securing bail were met with a postponement by Chief Magistrate Winnie Nankya.
She cited the need to thoroughly review various documents, including national identification cards, employment cards, local council letters, affidavits, and medical forms, before deciding on the bail application.
The suspects are set to remain in remand until November 22.
Balondemu and Ibona faced re-arrest last week during their interaction with police investigators concerning ongoing probes into multiple cases against Balondemu.
They are co-accused with carpenter Ronald Tumusiime Kaweesa Kizito and city lawyer Eric Geoffrey Mkwe, who were absent from the court proceedings.
State Attorney Ivan Kyazze, leading the prosecution, requested a mention date and the issuance of a criminal summons for the absentees.
The charges stem from allegations that between November 2022 and April 2023, the accused, along with others at large, falsely represented to KG Unlimited LLC that they would secure a contract for the supply of agricultural Drone Sprayers and fertilisers from Uganda’s Ministry of Agriculture.
The state contends that they conspired to obtain over $553,000 (more than USh2 billion) from the American firm through these deceptive means.
This is the second time Balondemu has faced court over similar accusations. On October 20, he was remanded to Luzira Prison in connection with a gold scam where he, alongside others, allegedly defrauded a Korean investor of more than USh2 billion.
The initial arrest followed a complaint by foreign national Hyun Kim, who reported significant financial losses to Kampala dealers.
Court documents reveal that Balondemu, Mkwe, Mugisha, Maviri, and others still at large conspired to falsely claim the sale of 53 kilograms of gold to Hyun UK Kim between March and November 2021.
The case reflects a complex web of legal challenges for Balondemu, with ongoing investigations into multiple alleged fraudulent activities.
READ MORE LIKE THIS:
Kampala Land Board Boss and Accomplice Released on Bail in $600,000 Gold Scam Case
Kampala District Land Board Chairperson Remanded for Fraud Charges
