Court Acquits Three in Shs8.3 Million Gift Scam

Kampala’s City Hall Court has acquitted Obadia Ainebyona, an Airtel Money agent; Leticia Nuwasasira, who is unemployed; and Christopher Turyamureeba, a local council chairman, in a case involving Shs8.3 million. The trio faced charges of obtaining money by false pretense and conspiracy to commit a felony.

The prosecution alleged that in August 2025, the accused and others at large falsely claimed they would clear a gift package for former Buhweju West MP Ephraim Biraro Ganshanga at Entebbe International Airport, leading him to part with Shs8.365 million.

However, Senior Principal Grade One Magistrate Aisu Nicholas dismissed the charges. He stated that the evidence presented did not link the three accused to the false representation. The magistrate noted that the primary individual who initiated the transaction and made the false claims was identified as ‘Anthony’, who was never arrested or brought before the court.

“The right accused should have been Anthony who was never arrested and produced before court,” Magistrate Aisu ruled. He emphasized that the prosecution failed to demonstrate that the accused made any false statements or initiated the transaction, thus failing to establish a prima facie case.

The court also raised a jurisdictional question, noting that the alleged offense occurred in Rwampara District, suggesting the case should have been heard there, not at City Hall Court. Due to the lack of sufficient evidence and procedural concerns, the case against the three accused was dismissed, and they were acquitted.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)