Legal Proceedings Against Denis Muguzi
A 42-year-old businessman, Denis Muguzi, has been charged with fraudulently mortgaging and obtaining registration of family land through deceptive means. He was remanded to Luzira Prison by the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court following his appearance before Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizizi on November 7. Muguzi, a resident of Bukasa, Muyenga in Makindye Division, Kampala District, denied all the charges brought against him.
According to the charge sheet, Muguzi faces two counts: fraud on mortgage of property under Section 290(c) of the Penal Code Act and obtaining registration by false pretences under Section 292 of the same law. The prosecution, led by Ms. Grace Amy, informed the court that the complainant, Ms. Jane Frances Nabayengo, was willing to reconcile with the accused. “The complainant has indicated to me that they are in the process of reconciling,” Ms. Amy stated.
Despite this, the Chief Magistrate decided to remand Muguzi until November 12, when his bail application will be heard. This decision came after a delay by his sureties in uploading required documents on the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS). “The sureties have not uploaded the documents as required on ECCMIS, so the bail hearing is deferred,” the Chief Magistrate ruled before sending the accused on remand.
Allegations and Background of the Case
Court documents reveal that on December 14, 2021, Muguzi allegedly fraudulently mortgaged land located in Block 253, Plot 1804 at Lukuli, while concealing key information about its ownership. It is further alleged that on February 14, 2019, he procured a certificate of title for the same land by falsely claiming to have acquired it lawfully.
Brief facts presented to the court indicate that the complainant, Nabayengo, and her family owned land at Lukuli, Kyadondo Block 253, Plot 1340. Nabayengo reportedly sold 0.6 decimals of her share to Muguzi, a land dealer, for Shs150 million. An agreement dated April 28, 2018, shows that Muguzi paid Shs130 million, leaving a balance of Shs20 million.
Nabayengo is said to have signed transfer forms and handed him the duplicate certificate of title to facilitate the subdivision of his portion, on the condition that the remaining land would later be transferred to her relatives, including Mr. John Lubega. However, investigations revealed that Muguzi allegedly subdivided the entire land into six plots and registered them all in his name. He later sold and transferred one of the plots, Plot 1809, to Mr. Ronald Kasozi, who became the registered proprietor on May 17, 2023.
Ongoing Investigations and Next Steps
Police further noted that Muguzi defaulted on the Shs20 million balance and, in his caution statement, admitted to subdividing and mortgaging the land. He was reportedly granted police bond but later absconded. The prosecution told the court that investigations are still ongoing.
Muguzi is expected to return to court on November 12, 2025, for his bail hearing. The case highlights the complexities of land ownership and the legal consequences of fraudulent activities in property transactions. As the legal proceedings continue, the court remains focused on ensuring justice is served.