Controversial land broker Muhammadi Kamoga has petitioned the Magistrates Court in Entebbe to suspend criminal proceedings against him, citing a pending appeal before the Supreme Court.
Through his legal team, Kamoga submitted that he had filed Reference No. 1 of 2025, challenging the decision by Supreme Court Justice Monica Mugenyi, who, sitting as a single judge, allowed the criminal trial before the Entebbe Chief Magistrate’s Court to proceed.
“We believe the accused person will be prejudiced if these cases continue before the reference is heard and determined,” argued counsel Alex Kamukama, representing Kamoga.
Kamoga’s lawyers also objected to the State’s amended charge sheet, which includes eight additional counts related to fraud.
In response, State Attorney Paul Ahebwa opposed the application to halt proceedings, describing the Supreme Court reference as a tactic designed to delay justice. He maintained that both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court had previously ruled in favor of allowing the trial to proceed without further delays.
“Counsel has now filed a reference just two days ago in an attempt to overturn the decision of the single judge of the Supreme Court. These appeals are baseless, frivolous, and meant to stifle the judicial process,” Ahebwa told the court.
Grade One Magistrate Edgar Tusiime Tibayeita, who recently took over the case, adjourned the matter to August 18, 2025, for a ruling.
Earlier this month, Justice Mugenyi dismissed Kamoga’s application for an interim order to halt the prosecution, finding no evidence that the accused would be denied a fair trial. In her ruling, she emphasized that allowing the criminal case to proceed would, in fact, support rather than undermine any parallel civil proceedings.
“It has not been established before me that the applicant would not undergo a fair trial… I take the view that the impending prosecution would not necessarily threaten the applicant’s right to a fair trial, but rather mark the commencement of a constitutionally mandated legal process,” Justice Mugenyi ruled.
Kamoga appeared before Magistrate Tusiime shortly after the previous Chief Magistrate recused herself, following Kamoga’s controversial claim that he was in private communication with her via WhatsApp—a development that further complicated an already sensitive legal battle.
This is not Kamoga’s first attempt to block his prosecution. His earlier effort to secure an interim stay at the Supreme Court was also dismissed.
Kamoga faces multiple criminal charges, including forgery, obtaining registration by false pretences, uttering false documents, unlawful eviction, and malicious damage to property. The charges stem from the alleged fraudulent acquisition of over 200 acres of land in Garuga-Bukaaya, Entebbe, located in Wakiso District.
He is accused of forging the signature of businessman Peter Bibangamba on transfer forms and unlawfully registering the land in his name. The State also alleges that Kamoga forcefully evicted lawful occupants and caused substantial property damage during the takeover.
Outside court, complainants questioned the court’s decision to entertain Kamoga’s request, noting that higher courts had already ruled that the trial should proceed without further obstruction.
“It’s baffling that the Magistrate’s Court is even considering this application when both the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court have spoken clearly,” said one complainant, who nonetheless expressed confidence in the judicial process. “As night follows day, this case will be heard and determined.”
