DPP withdraws trafficking and defilement case against Kampala Socialite Don Nasser

Kampala socialite Nasser Nduhukire, also known as Don Nasser, appears in the dock at Buganda Road Magistrate’s Court in Kampala, Uganda, where he was committed to the High Court for trial over allegations of trafficking and defiling a minor.

The Director of Public Prosecutions has formally withdrawn charges of aggravated trafficking and defilement that had been brought against Kampala-based socialite Nasser Nduhukire, popularly known as Don Nasser.

Don Nasser was in 2024 arraigned before the International Crimes Division of the High Court over allegations of trafficking a minor for sexual exploitation. The case was today discontinued following a decision by the DPP to halt further prosecution.

During proceedings before Justice Andrew Bashaija, the state presented a withdrawal letter dated February 4, 2026, signed by the DPP, Lino Anguzu.

In the letter, the DPP indicated that the prosecution would no longer pursue the matter, citing a loss of interest in the case.

“I have instructions to place before this honourable court a withdrawal letter dated February 4, in which the Director of Public Prosecutions communicates the decision to discontinue proceedings,” the state prosecutor told court.

The letter did not disclose the reasons behind the decision to abandon the case, a move that effectively brought the criminal proceedings against the socialite to an end.

According to the prosecution’s earlier allegations, Don Nasser was accused of transporting a 16-year-old girl from Tagore Apartments in Kamwokya along Acacia Avenue in Kampala City and harbouring her at his residence in Kito Zone, Kira Division. Prosecutors claimed that the girl was kept there for four days, between May 23 and May 27, 2024, for purposes of sexual exploitation.

The case attracted public attention due to the seriousness of the charges and the profile of the accused, with the offences falling under aggravated trafficking and defilement provisions of Uganda’s anti-trafficking and sexual offences laws.

Following the withdrawal, Justice Bashaija issued orders formally terminating the case.

The court also directed that Don Nasser’s bail deposit of Shs3 million, which had been paid as a condition for his temporary release during trial, be refunded.

“The accused is discharged, and the court directs that the bail deposit be released back to him,” the judge ruled.

The decision marks the end of a case that had been pending for over a year at the International Crimes Division, although the DPP’s office did not offer further clarification on whether fresh charges could be reinstated in the future should new evidence emerge.