Nansana Court Grants Bail to Businessman Muhammad Katongole Bamushaka in Land Trespass Case

The Nansana Chief Magistrate’s Court has granted bail to prominent Nansana businessman and land dealer Muhammad Katongole Bamushaka, who is facing charges of allegedly trespassing on disputed land.

Senior Principal Magistrate George Watyekere Wakubona released Bamushaka on a cash bail of Shs2 million, while each of his sureties was bonded at Shs10 million non-cash. The case was adjourned to August 14 for further hearing.

The charges arise from a complaint filed by Sam Akankwasa, who accuses Bamushaka of illegally occupying disputed land located in Nansana 7/8 Ocheang Zone, behind Yesu Amala and near Don Fuel Station.

Court heard that Bamushaka was arrested at his hotel at around 8:00pm after Akankwasa allegedly arrived with police officers. He spent seven days in custody, including five days on remand at Kiggo Prison, before being granted bail.

During a hearing that lasted nearly seven hours, Akankwasa presented three sale agreements, which he claimed prove that he legally purchased the disputed land in three separate transactions from the late Bernard Mpokota Sserwadda.

He told court that Halliet Nantale received the purchase money, Fred Kabanda prepared the agreements, and Kevin Mubiru witnessed the transactions.

However, Bamushaka’s defence team, led by lawyer David Ojambo, subjected Akankwasa to lengthy cross-examination, during which he reportedly failed to provide answers to several questions raised by the defence.

Magistrate Wakubona directed Akankwasa to reorganise his documents and prepare responses to issues raised during cross-examination before the next court session.

Following the proceedings, some of Bamushaka’s supporters confronted Akankwasa outside court, accusing him of being a land grabber and verbally attacking him as he walked to his vehicle.

Speaking after the hearing, Julius Kalugaba, one of Bamushaka’s supporters, questioned the ownership of the disputed land title.

“The family of the late Bernard Mpokota had requested Akankwasa to transfer the land title into the family’s names, but instead he allegedly transferred it into his own name,” Kalugaba claimed.

Meanwhile, Fred Kabanda, who was mentioned as having prepared the sale agreements, said he was only aware of transactions involving two plots.

“I only know about agreements for two plots. I have no knowledge of the third agreement, and I was never involved in any fraudulent transfer of the land title,” Kabanda said.

A relative of Bamushaka, identified as Robert, said the businessman intends to sue Akankwasa for defamation.

“Akankwasa sued the wrong person. Hajji Bamushaka will take legal action against him for damaging his reputation. He should apologise instead of making baseless accusations,” Robert said.

Bamushaka’s lawyer, David Ojambo, maintained that his client legally purchased the land and accused the complainant of using criminal proceedings to pressure him.

“My client bought this land with his own money. The complainant previously sought ownership through the High Court but has now resorted to criminal proceedings to intimidate Hajji Bamushaka into paying him money. The evidence presented in court suggests this is more about financial gain than justice,” Ojambo said.

There were jubilant scenes outside court after Bamushaka secured his release, with supporters cheering and embracing him.

Speaking to journalists after leaving court, Bamushaka thanked those who supported him during his detention and questioned the circumstances surrounding his arrest.

“The person accusing me personally transported me together with police officers from Kawempe during my arrest, which I believe was unlawful. I thank everyone who supported me throughout the seven days I spent in custody, including five days at Kiggo Prison. I am confident the truth will prevail,” Bamushaka said.

The matter will return to court on August 14 for further hearing.