UGANDA, Kampala | Real Muloodi News | Two Kampala-based lawyers, Robert Ssenfuka and Umar Nyanzi, are set to face trial over allegations of forging land documents.
Buganda Road Court Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi found a prima facie case against the two, resulting in the issuance of criminal case No. 047/2024. The accusations include forgery, uttering false documents, and conspiracy to commit a felony.
The charges stem from a complaint filed by Pastor Daniel Walugembe, who alleges that the lawyers, operating under SK and Partners Advocates, unlawfully altered two land sales agreements dated February 9, 1996, and August 13, 1996.
According to the complaint, the agreements were altered to include details such as MTN telephone numbers and references to the Land Act Cap 227, which did not exist at the time the agreements were executed.
“The agreements submitted by the accused lack the certificate of translation present on the original documents,” Walugembe stated.
He further alleged that the forged documents were presented to the Deputy Registrar of the Land Division, Jeneva Natukunda, on July 10, 2023, during cross-examination.
Deputy Registrar Hellen Ajio of the Inspectorate of Courts recently addressed claims of judicial bias against Magistrate Kayizzi.
“Upon review, we found no evidence of bias in his handling of the case. The chief magistrate followed proper procedure in sanctioning the charge sheet and issuing criminal summons,” Ajio stated.
The complainant claims that the forged documents altered the authenticity of his original agreements, causing significant legal and financial implications. The alleged forged land documents were purportedly used to favour Dr Ntwatwa Lule, for whom the lawyers were acting.
The accused lawyers, however, have denied the allegations, stating in letters that Magistrate Kayizzi abused judicial authority in the case. Despite this, the court has ordered them to appear for plea-taking, which they have allegedly avoided on multiple occasions.
On August 14, 2024, Buganda Road Court found evidence suggesting the documents were uttered to Deputy Registrar Natukunda, who noted discrepancies, describing them as “possibly in error.”
The case is scheduled for trial, with the court set to hear evidence and determine whether the alleged forged land documents constitute criminal forgery.
READ MORE LIKE THIS:
King Oyo Warns Against Politicising Tooro Kingdom Land Issues
Sitting Tenants Oppose Multibillion Compensation to Gen Aronda’s Widow
