UGANDA, Mbale | Real Muloodi News | The Mbale High Court has scheduled February 13, 2025, for the judgment in a land dispute involving Nathan Nandala Mafabi, the Budadiri West County MP and Forum for Democratic Change Secretary General.
Businessman Stephen Wobweni and his late wife, Annet Naturinda, accuse Mafabi of allegedly acquiring their land and matrimonial home in Mbale District under fraudulent circumstances. The property in question is valued at UGX 2 billion.
According to court records, the disputed property, located on Nakaloke Road in Mbale City, has been registered under Wobweni’s name since May 7, 2003. Wobweni claims that the property, which also served as the couple’s home, was unlawfully transferred to Mafabi’s name on August 30, 2016.
The plaintiffs allege that this transfer occurred without their knowledge or consent. Wobweni further states that he had borrowed UGX 150 million from Mafabi, using the land title as security. However, instead of returning the title after repayment, Mafabi allegedly retained it and transferred ownership to himself.
Bunyole East County MP Yusufu Mutembuli testified in court about events leading to the alleged transaction. On December 27, 2011, a representative of Mafabi approached him to draft a sale agreement for the property. The agreement specified a purchase price of UGX 150 million, which was to be paid in three installments.
According to Mutembuli, the first installment of UGX 50 million was paid on December 28, 2011, followed by a second payment on January 14, 2012. The final payment was made on February 17, 2012. After the final installment, Wobweni allegedly handed over key documents, including the land title and transfer forms, to Mafabi’s representative. This process was reportedly witnessed by the LC1 chairperson of the area.
In 2019, Mafabi’s legal team argued that the case was filed in the wrong court, seeking its dismissal. Justice Henry Kaweesa of the High Court in Kampala rejected this request and transferred the case to Mbale High Court, citing its jurisdiction over the disputed property.
The Commissioner for Land Registration, a co-defendant in the case, failed to file a defense within the required timeframe, leading to a default judgment against the commissioner.
Justice Margaret Apiny is expected to deliver the final judgment in February 2025, concluding a case that has highlighted concerns over property rights and legal processes in Uganda. The court’s decision will determine ownership of the contested property and address fraudulent transfer allegations.
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