national 15 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Farmer Charged in Sh7.7 Billion Land Fraud Case Linked to Late Businessman Garuga
A 65-year-old farmer, Byaruhanga Charles, has been granted bail after facing charges related to the alleged fraudulent transfer of 849 hectares of land valued at approximately Sh7.7 billion. The land is associated with Incafex Limited, a company linked to the late businessman Dr. James Musinguzi Garuga. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/farmer-faces-fraud-charges-over-849-hectares-linked-to-late-garuga-5633106
A farmer has been accused of masterminding the fraudulent transfer of a significant tract of land connected to the estate of the late prominent businessman, Dr. James Musinguzi Garuga.
Byaruhanga Charles, 65, appeared before the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate, Ritah Kidasa, and denied two charges: fraudulent transfer of title and conspiracy to defraud Incafex Limited, a company associated with Dr. Garuga.
The prosecution alleges that between March 15 and April 30, 2026, Byaruhanga, along with others not yet apprehended, conspired to defraud Incafex Limited of 849 hectares of land. The land, reportedly valued at Sh7,781,425,000, is situated in Kijunjubwa, Masindi District.
Further accusations state that Byaruhanga, with intent to defraud, fraudulently obtained a land title for the aforementioned property. He is also accused of fraudulently transferring the title to himself.
Despite the seriousness of the charges, Chief Magistrate Kidasa granted Byaruhanga bail under stringent conditions. He was released on a cash bail of Sh5 million and required to present two substantial sureties, each bound at Sh200 million non-cash. Additionally, Byaruhanga is prohibited from leaving the country without court permission and must report to the police twice a month. The case has been adjourned to November 15, 2026, for further mention.
This case highlights ongoing legal battles surrounding land ownership and estates of prominent figures in Uganda.