UGANDA, Kampala | Real Muloodi News | Kampala Land Board chairperson David Balondemu has requested an investigation by the Director of the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), AIGP Tom Magambo, regarding individuals he claims are targeting him.
In a complaint filed on April 26, Balondemu accuses three staff from the State House Anti-Corruption Unit of orchestrating his legal troubles.
Balondemu alleges that between October and November of the previous year, he was arrested on different occasions and charged with multiple offences, including obtaining money by false pretences.
He was then remanded to Luzira prison. In his complaint, Balondemu states that he was not initially included in the charges, but the charge sheet was amended, a decision he attributes to alleged witch-hunting and self-aggrandisement.
Upon being granted bail, Balondemu reported his situation to the president, who directed a police officer to investigate the complaint.
Balondemu’s decision to cancel a land title for Owino Market (now known as St. Balikuddembe Market), managed by a group of traders, was cited as part of his predicament.
Balondemu also claims he has requested the return of his confiscated property, including a vehicle, two mobile phones, and a computer, through his lawyers at Acadia Advocates.
He alleges that an officer demanded Shs30 million before returning his property.
In his appeal to the CID director, Balondemu urges action against the officers he believes are involved in extortion and misconduct.
CID director Magambo declined to comment on the matter and referred the media to police spokesperson Fred Enanga, who was not available for comment.
State House Anti-Corruption Unit spokesperson Mariam Natasha acknowledged the matter but characterised allegations against their officers as blackmail.
Natasha stated that multiple complaints have been filed regarding the situation and that the unit’s investigation is ongoing.
Balondemu’s legal challenges began with his arrest by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit. He was charged with allegedly fraudulently obtaining approximately USh2.2 billion from a foreign national, Hyun Kim, by promising to sell him 53 kilograms of gold.
Balondemu was released on bail but was subsequently rearrested on different charges of forgery.
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