The Buganda Road Chief Magistrates Court has remanded Kampala-based lawyer Drake Twebaze Katabazi to Luzira Prison over allegations of conspiring with others, including Kampala District Land Board Chairman David Balondemu, to defraud an American company of more than Shs2 billion.
On Tuesday, Grade One Magistrate Alex Niyonzima presided over the session where Katabazi denied all charges.
The prosecution requested additional time to verify documents submitted by his sureties.
Consequently, the magistrate remanded him to Luzira Prison until June 13, 2025, when his bail application will be reviewed.
Katabazi, a resident of Rushebeya Trading Centre, Kitojo Parish, Rwamucucu Sub- County, Rukiga District, is jointly charged with five others: David Balondemu, lawyer and Chairman of the Kampala District Land Board, Joseph Ibona, accountant at Bloom Advocates.
Others are Ronald Kaweesa Tumusiime Kizito alias Denis, carpenter from Mbogo, Kawempe, Martin Kasenge alias Dr. Alfred Musinguzi, businessman based in Kkungu, Kira Division, Wakiso District, Eric Geoffrey Mkwe, lawyer.
According to the prosecution, between November 2022 and April 2023, the accused, along with others still at large, allegedly defrauded Talib Antonio McDowell, a representative of KG Unlimited LLC, an American company, of USD 553,000 (approximately Shs2.08 billion).
The group reportedly misled the victim into believing they were securing a contract from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries for the supply of agricultural drone sprayers and fertilizers — a contract that, according to investigators, did not exist.
Prosecutors further allege that the group forged a letter addressed to KG Unlimited LLC, purporting it to be from the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA), in a bid to lend legitimacy to the fraudulent scheme.
Katabazi’s arrest followed an operation by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, led by Brigadier Henry Isoke. He was detained last week and remained in custody until his court appearance.
While the other accused had earlier been charged and granted bail, their trial has not yet commenced, as investigations continue and authorities pursue additional suspects who remain at large.
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