MP-elect Nkeretanyi Faces Shs3.7B Curtain Theft Charges from Businessman

A Kampala-based businessman, Hajj Sulaiman Lwabuuka Kasule, has leveled serious theft accusations against Kalungu East MP-elect Yusuf Kiruluuta Junior Nkeretanyi during proceedings at Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court.

Lwabuuka claims Nkeretanyi, who recently contested against State Minister Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempijja, built a close relationship with his wife, Shamira Nakachwa, to facilitate the theft of curtain materials valued at Shs3.7 billion. The group allegedly disabled CCTV cameras and used store keys to steal bales of fabric from his premises.

Testifying for the second time, Lwabuuka stated that his wife would stay in the master bedroom to switch off surveillance before passing keys to Nkeretanyi via their daughter. His daughter, Hilda Mbabazi, corroborated this, noting stolen items were later found in Nkeretanyi’s Kampala shop, now court exhibits.

Nkeretanyi faces joint charges with Nakachwa, his brother-in-law Hamza Mugumya, Ivan Zziwa, John Tamale, and two others for theft and handling stolen property. During cross-examination, Nkeretanyi suggested the case stemmed from personal grudges or heartbreak, but Lwabuuka insisted it was about justice and recovering his goods.

The businessman accused Nkeretanyi of contributing to his marriage’s collapse and revealed he had given his wife full authority over home operations, which he now believes was exploited. He also expressed safety concerns, claiming an attack by his wife’s aunt.

Chief Magistrate Ritah Neube Kidasa adjourned the hearing to May 11.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)