UGANDA, Kampala | Real Muloodi News | David Balondemu, the Chairperson of the Kampala District Land Board, has been remanded to Luzira Prison following allegations of obtaining money through pretence.
Balondemu appeared in the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Hall Court on Friday and was also charged with conspiracy to commit a felony, alongside lawyer Eric Geoffrey Mkwe, who remains at large.
This legal action follows the recent charging and remanding of businessmen James Jeff Mugisha and Godfrey Mabirizi by the same court.
According to the court proceedings, Balondemu and his associates, including those who are still at large, are accused of engaging in fraudulent activities between March and November 2021 at the offices of Balondemu and Company Advocates on Parliamentary Avenue in Kampala City.
They allegedly obtained USD 600,000 by falsely claiming to sell 53 kilograms of gold to a Korean investor named Hyun UK Kim.
Balondemu pleaded not guilty to these charges and, represented by his legal team led by Evans Ochieng and Mukasa Mbidde, applied for bail.
He argued that his extensive legal experience and role as an officer of the court should make him eligible for bail.
In support of his bail application, Kampala District Land Board boss, Balondemu presented Dr Richard Lukandwa, a Consultant Physician at the Medical Hub, Richard Collins Kiberu (Managing Director of C and C Investments and Goldmark Property Limited), his wife Slyvia Bahizi (an employee at Uganda Registration Services Bureau – URSB), and businesswoman Betty Nakayima, who deals in chemicals under Sunrise Luxury SMC, as his sureties.
State Attorney Mercy Yamangusho Khaidarah, leading the prosecution, expressed concerns that Mkwe had absconded and had close ties to Balondemu.
She argued that if Balondemu was granted bail, he might also flee, further complicating the ongoing prosecution.
Additionally, she noted that the investigations were incomplete, and Balondemu’s release could jeopardize the ongoing inquiries.
The presiding Magistrate requested more time to review the bail application and subsequently remanded Balondemu until November 6, 2023.
Balondemu had been taken into custody three days prior by detectives from the State House Anti-Corruption Unit and had been detained at the Special Investigations Department in Kireka until his court appearance.
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