Sipapa returns, Mutaaga murders shake Entebbe: inside explosive week in court
In Uganda’s crowded courtrooms this week, the justice system did more than uphold law and order—it laid bare a nation’s grief, its moral contradictions, and the delicate balance between accountability and abuse of power.
The legal calendar from July 21 to 25 delivered more than headlines: it offered a deeply human window into the lives affected by murder, political violence, corruption and forgotten rights.
From the haunting audio confession of a double murder suspect still on the run, to the constitutional reaffirmation of the right to a fair trial, the judiciary moved between the symbolic and the urgent—with a determination that justice, however delayed, must not be denied.
HONORING PROF GEORGE W. KANYEIHAMBA
On July 23, the Supreme court granted the Judiciary permission to hold an official commemoration for the late Justice Prof George Wilson Kanyeihamba, one of Uganda’s most influential legal minds.
This ruling, under Miscellaneous Cause No. 1 of 2025, recognized his significant contributions to constitutional law, judicial independence, and legal education. Kanyeihamba, a former Supreme court judge and renowned academic, played a vital role in shaping Uganda’s legal landscape after the 1995 Constitution.
His scholarly work and judgments continue to guide legal discourse across East Africa. Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo praised him as “a fierce voice for judicial integrity and human rights.” The court-approved memorial, scheduled for next month, will feature tributes from regional legal figures and institutions.
ENTEBBE DOUBLE MURDER: POLICE HUNT THE SUSPECT
In Entebbe, grief and fear still linger following the gruesome murder of David Mutaaga (69) and his wife Deborah Mutaaga (62), whose bodies were found mutilated in their home on July 6 in Lugonjo-Nakiwogo cell.
Police this week released disturbing CCTV footage and a chilling 24-second audio clip in which the prime suspect, still at large, confesses to the crime. In the recording, he mockingly states, “You educated your children, but I stayed in the village. I came to kill you.”
Two domestic workers, Angela Nakalema and David Golooba, remain in custody, though no formal charges have been filed. Police have announced a Shs 50 million reward for information leading to the suspect’s arrest.
“This was not just a crime,” said Entebbe mayor Fabrice Rulinda. “It was a targeted message. We must respond with justice—not silence.” President Museveni has criticized police for communication lapses that allegedly delayed emergency response. The director of Public Prosecutions is expected to press charges once the suspect is apprehended.
AGNES NANDUTU DEFENDS HERSELF IN COURT
On July 25, in Justice Jane Kajuga’s courtroom, former minister Agnes Nandutu gave an unsworn statement defending her involvement in the controversial Karamoja iron sheets scandal.
She testified that the 2,000 iron sheets she received were intended for Bududa district—an area hit hard by landslides—not for personal gain. Nandutu claimed the allocation stemmed from a 2021 field visit by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja and other officials, and that she played no role in the final decision.
“I took the Karamoja iron sheets to help my people. I was a first-time minister who wasn’t given a chance. I did what I could under very difficult circumstances,” she told the court.
Due to medical complications— specifically treatment for blood clots—she said the distribution process was delayed, leading to mismanagement. Around 1,600 sheets were later traced to her farm, while 383 were reported missing. Nandutu claimed the loss happened without her knowledge.
She said she had reimbursed Shs 26 million—the estimated value of the missing sheets—following presidential orders to either return the materials or pay for them.
ANTI-CORRUPTION DIVISION: SIPAPA’S TRIAL DRAWS ATTEN- TION WITH NEW EVIDENCE
Socialite and music promoter Charles “Sipapa” Olim and his wife Shamirah Nakiyemba appeared before the Anti-Corruption court again this week, facing serious charges including aggravated robbery, money laundering, and illegal possession of firearms.
A dramatic moment came when a key witness revealed that only one of Sipapa’s fingerprints was found on a critical exhibit—casting doubt on earlier claims. The courtroom reacted with a mix of curiosity and tension.
The couple is accused of stealing Shs 1.6 billion from a South Sudanese businessman in 2022. On July 22, the High court inspected physical evidence at Kabalagala police station, including luxury vehicles, fake gold, car rims, jewelry, and bundles of US dollars. While both defendants are out on bail, the prosecution continues to present forensic evidence.
In a previous session, a chemical analyst warned that seized substances could be used in explosives—adding a dangerous twist to the case. Analysts believe the fingerprint revelation could weaken the prosecution unless further corroboration is presented. Hearings continue in August.
MUTWE GRANTED BAIL IN CONTROVERSIAL COMPUTER MISUSE CASE
On July 22, opposition figure Noah Mutwe (real name Noah Mitala), longtime bodyguard to Bobi Wine, was granted bail after 60 days on remand. Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi ordered a Shs 5 million cash bail and two non-cash sureties of Shs 50 million each. Mutwe was also barred from international travel.
He and former CID spokesperson Charles Twine face charges under the Computer Misuse Act, including incitement to violence and hate speech over alleged online threats against President Museveni and his son.
Mutwe was reportedly abducted from his home by unidentified armed men in a vehicle without license plates. His uncle was also detained. The Uganda Human Rights Commission ruled the arrest unlawful, though he was later remanded on separate robbery charges. Mutwe appeared in court showing signs of physical abuse. The next hearing is scheduled for August 25.
YOUTH BRANDED ‘NUP GOONS’ REMANDED AFTER ELECTION CLASHES
Several youths accused of inciting violence during early July political mobilizations appeared before Buganda Road and Law Development Centre courts this week. The group, seen in viral videos wearing yellow T-shirts, was arrested during opposition-linked rallies.
Some told court they were paid between Shs 10,000 and 20,000 by NRM mobilizers to pose as protesters. Many were charged with public disturbance and incitement to violence. Lacking sureties, most remain in remand—some juveniles have been sent to Naguru Remand Home.
Human rights organizations have criticized the branding of the suspects as “NUP goons” without substantial evidence. Judith Nuwabine, winner of the NRM Makindye East primaries, denied involvement in hiring individuals to attack her opponent Shafiq Kabanjize, who was hospitalized after the election.
COURT OF APPEAL: RULINGS REASSERT FAIR TRIAL AND DUE PROCESS
Three major judgments from the Court of Appeal this week emphasized the importance of due process and constitutional rights.
MBUSA PHILIMON V ATTORNEY GENERAL
Mbusa challenged delays in accessing appeal documents after his conviction, which denied him the right to a timely appeal. The court ruled the delay violated Article 28 of the Constitution and ordered the registry to expedite the hearing.
JALIA NAIGA V ISSA SSEKABIRA
Naiga’s defence in a civil case was struck out on technical grounds. The Court of Appeal overturned the decision, stating she had been denied a fair hearing, and reinstated her right to defend herself.
MUGASA GRACE ADYEERI V COMMISSIONER FOR LAND REGISTRATION
Mugasa’s land title was canceled without due process. The court ruled the commissioner acted beyond legal authority, and reinstated her title, reinforcing that land cancellations must follow proper legal procedures.
CONCLUSION
From honoring judicial legacies to confronting brutal crimes and upholding constitutional guarantees, Uganda’s courts this past week illustrated both the weight and resilience of the justice system.
The stories unfolding in the courtroom are more than legal proceedings— they reflect the nation’s struggles, aspirations and evolving democratic conscience.
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