UGANDA, Kampala | Real Muloodi News | Prominent city lawyer, Felix Kintu Nteza, accused of obtaining USh195m by false pretense, had his efforts to halt his court case thwarted last week. His claims of an out-of-court settlement arrangement with one of the plaintiffs was rejected by the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.
Nteza, a 38-year-old lawyer working with Kintu Nteza & Co Advocates, is accused of defrauding Interlink Education Services Ltd of USh195m between August 27, 2013, and August 5, 2014.
The state alleges that Mr. Kintu falsely claimed that the administrators and beneficiaries of the estate of the late George Kamya were selling land to Interlink Education Services Ltd, in a bid to obtain money with intent to defraud. The land in question is comprised of Busiro Block 220, Plot 64 at Gimbo, Wakiso District.
However in his defence, Nteza claims to have been acting in his capacity as a lawyer and signed as a witness in the sale agreement for the land, according to his sworn statement.
In court on Wednesday, March 29, Mr. Kintu, through his advocates, informed the court of a possible out-of-court settlement, stating that one of the directors of the aggrieved company had approached him to settle the matter amicably.
Mr Geoffrey Omaset, one of Mr. Kintu’s defense lawyers, informed court, “We had a meeting and agreed that this matter be amicably resolved. The wife to the said director is here in court and, if allowed, she may confirm the same proposal to court.”
The defence further claimed that their ongoing negotiations could be frustrated if the trial was not halted.
However, the State prosecutor, Shifrah Nidoi, informed the court that she is not aware of any ongoing negotiations and called the claim speculation.
Magistrate Fidelis Otwao agreed and ruled in favor of the prosecution, stating that the court could not rely on speculations about a proposal of an out-of-court settlement. He also ordered the disclosure of statements to be furnished.
The prosecution had one witness ready to testify against the accused, however the Magistrate adjourned the case to June 19 for hearing.
READ MORE LIKE THIS:
High-Profile Lawyer Felix Kintu Nteza to Stand Trial for Alleged UGX195M Fraud Scandal
City Lawyer Dragged to Court by Client Accusing Him of Land Fraud
