Land Broker Kamoga Seeks to Delay Fraud Trial with New Application

Key Takeaways

Land broker Muhammadi Kamoga applied to delay his fraud trial, citing a pending Supreme Court appeal challenging the trial's continuation.
Kamoga's defense argued proceeding with the trial before the Supreme Court resolves the appeal would be prejudicial, while the State Attorney dismissed the application as frivolous and an abuse of process.
The Magistrates Court adjourned the case until August 18, 2025, for a ruling after Kamoga also objected to new fraud charges in an amended charge sheet.
Supreme Court Justice Monica Mugenyi previously rejected a similar delay application, stating halting the trial would not serve justice and prompt prosecution should proceed.
Kamoga faces multiple charges, including forgery and fraudulent land acquisition, stemming from allegations of forging a businessman's signature to acquire 200 acres of land.

Muhammadi Kamoga, a controversial land broker, has submitted a new application to the Magistrates Court in Entebbe, Uganda, aiming to pause his ongoing fraud trial. The application is linked to a recent appeal he filed in the Supreme Court, challenging a prior decision that allowed the criminal proceedings to continue.

Kamoga’s legal team, led by lawyer Alex Kamukama, argued that proceeding with the trial before the Supreme Court resolves the appeal would unfairly prejudice their client. “We filed Reference No. 1 of 2025 to contest the Supreme Court judge’s decision. Until this reference is determined, it would be unjust to move forward with the criminal case,” Kamukama stated.

The defense also raised objections to an amended charge sheet that introduced eight new fraud allegations against Kamoga. However, State Attorney Ahebwa Paul dismissed the application as a tactic to delay justice. “These appeals and references are baseless and frivolous, designed to obstruct court proceedings. This is an abuse of the legal process aimed at overturning decisions from both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court,” Ahebwa countered.

After hearing arguments from both sides, Magistrate Edgar Tusiime Tibayeita adjourned the case until August 18, 2025, to deliver a ruling. He noted that the case file had only recently been assigned to him.

Earlier this month, Supreme Court Justice Monica Mugenyi rejected a similar application from Kamoga, emphasizing that halting the trial would not serve justice. “There is no evidence that Kamoga would not receive a fair trial or that the integrity of the justice system would be compromised. A prompt prosecution could help resolve the matter and support related civil proceedings,” Justice Mugenyi ruled.

Kamoga faces multiple charges, including forgery, fraudulently obtaining land registration, uttering false documents, unlawful eviction, and malicious damage to property. He is accused of forging businessman Peter Bibangamba’s signature to fraudulently acquire over 200 acres of land in Garuga-Bukaaya, Entebbe.

This latest legal maneuver follows Kamoga’s unsuccessful attempts to halt his prosecution, including a dismissed application in the Supreme Court. Outside the courtroom, some complainants expressed frustration, accusing Kamoga of abusing the legal system. “It’s baffling that the Magistrates Court is entertaining this application when higher courts have already ruled that the trial must proceed. Still, we remain hopeful that justice will prevail,” one complainant remarked.

The case continues to draw significant attention as it unfolds, with many eagerly awaiting the court’s next move.