DPP Takes Legal Action to Prevent Land Broker Kamoga's Attempt to Stop Criminal Trial

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Justice Jane Frances Abodo, has taken a proactive step by submitting a formal petition to the Supreme Court to counter what she characterizes as a deceitful legal tactic orchestrated by controversial land broker Muhammad Kamoga. The move is believed to be an attempt by Kamoga to sidestep facing criminal charges.

In a communication dated June 11, 2025, the DPP has accused Kamoga's legal representatives at Kusingura-Tinyebwa Advocates of misleading the Supreme Court into considering an application to halt the Court of Appeal's orders that reinstated criminal proceedings against Kamoga at Entebbe Chief Magistrates Court. Kamoga is confronting serious allegations including forgery, obtaining registration by false pretences, unlawful eviction, and malicious damage to property.

The charges are linked to a contested acquisition of more than 200 acres of land in Garuga-Bukaya, Entebbe, Wakiso District, reportedly owned by businessman Peter Bibangamba. The DPP argues that Kamoga is trying to obstruct justice by pursuing his application without the presence of state prosecutors.

Carolyn Hope Nabaasa, the Principal Assistant to the DPP, who endorsed the petition, highlights that the application was irregularly heard ex parte on May 29, 2025, a day when court sessions were suspended due to the annual prosecutors' symposium as directed by Chief Justice Owiny Dollo.

The DPP's petition requests the court to schedule the hearing of Criminal Appeal Number 0138 of 2024 to ensure that the matter is adjudicated on its merits, instead of allowing Kamoga to impede a lawfully directed trial. Nabaasa has further asked for an opportunity for the DPP to respond before a ruling is issued by the judge who handled Kamoga's application.

The case concerning the disputed land involves accusations that Kamoga falsified signatures on transfer forms and deceitfully registered land titles in his name for a property in Busiro Block 435, Plot 8, along with over 100 other plots totaling more than 200 acres. These purported offenses are said to have taken place between May 7, 2020, and February 8, 2021, at the Wakiso District Land Office.

Additionally, Kamoga faces a separate case involving allegations of illegal eviction and property damage, following incidents that occurred on February 19 and 20, 2021, which reportedly led to individuals being evicted and their belongings destroyed.

The Court of Appeal reinstated the trial against Kamoga in October 2024 after overturning a decision by the High Court's Criminal Division that had initially halted the proceedings. The appellate court ruled that the High Court lacked jurisdiction and that Kamoga had no legal grounds to request a stay of prosecution.

The DPP is now striving to ensure that the legal process proceeds without hindrance, underscoring the importance of maintaining the integrity of the judicial system.