UGANDA, Wakiso | Real Muloodi News | The Entebbe Chief Magistrate’s Court has postponed the hearing of a significant land dispute case to April 15, 2024, as the presiding magistrate was absent. This marks the fourth adjournment of the case, despite the presence of witnesses.
The disputed land, valued at over USh500 million, is located at Uringi Crescent, within Busiro County, Entebbe Municipality, Wakiso District.
On Monday, Acting Senior Magistrate Grade One Edgar Tibayeyita Tusiime presided over the court session, announcing the adjournment due to the absence of Chief Magistrate Stella Maris Amabilis.
The accused party is represented by counsel Richard Omongole, Kituuma Magala, Philip Aryatuha, and Herbert Chesiyey.
Last October, conflicting statements arose between two prosecution witnesses during court proceedings. Businesswoman Peace Barigye, the complainant, alleges that Yunus Magom trespassed on the disputed land, while witness Martin Musinguzi, a boda-boda rider, disputed Barigye’s account.
According to Barigye, on September 7, 2022, she witnessed Magom and three others trespassing on her land, carrying stones using a wheelbarrow.
She confronted Magom, who claimed he was asserting ownership of his father’s land. Barigye then contacted the police, resulting in Magom’s arrest.
However, Musinguzi contradicted this, stating that Barigye was not present at the scene during the alleged trespassing.
He recounted seeing a group of individuals, including Magom, next to Barigye’s house later in the evening, with a wheelbarrow filled with stones.
During cross-examination, defence lawyers Aryatuha and Chesiyey questioned Musinguzi’s testimony, highlighting discrepancies in the timing of events.
The authenticity of a document presented in court was also challenged, prompting the magistrate to summon its author from the Ministry of Lands.
Previously, Barigye was instructed to present her original land title, but she provided a letter from DFCU Bank indicating it was held as security.
Meanwhile, the land’s registered owner, Omamteker, has filed a lawsuit against Barigye in the Land Division of the High Court in Kampala.
Omamteker asserts ownership of Plot 31 on Uringi Crescent and alleges that Barigye encroached upon her land by constructing a structure and fencing off a portion of it.
Despite sharing an access road, Barigye’s actions, including erecting a gate, have impeded Omamteker’s access to her property.
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