Lawyer no-show delays businesswoman's trial in sh1.5b land fraud case

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The trial of a businesswoman accused of fraudulently obtaining sh1.5 billion by falsely claiming to be the daughter of the late Archbishop Paul Bakyenga stalled on September 16, 2025, due to the absence of her lawyer.

Annah Asiimwe, 30, a resident of Kakoba in Mbarara city, is facing 39 charges, including obtaining money by false pretences, forgery, uttering false documents, and money laundering.

She informed the Nakasero-based Anti-Corruption Court, presided over by assistant registrar Patrick Talisuna, that she did not have legal representation.

The prosecution alleges that Asiimwe fraudulently obtained money from Jordan Ssendegeya by promising to transfer property belonging to the late Archbishop Bakyenga.

Asiimwe asked the court for an adjournment to enable her to contact her lawyer, adding that she could hire another one, if necessary, at the next hearing.

Senior state attorneys Terpista Nam and Viola Tusingwire from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) objected, arguing that the accused’s lawyer had been present when the case was scheduled.

“The accused’s lawyer was present when this matter was fixed, and both the accused and her lawyer were aware that it had been scheduled for hearing. We have summoned two witnesses who are in court ready to testify, and therefore we object to the request,” Nam said.

Talisuna adjourned the case to October 7, 2025, for mention and further remanded Asiimwe. She is expected to update the court on her legal representation during the next appearance.

“This matter is adjourned to October 7, 2025, at 9:00 am, and the accused is further remanded,” Talisuna said.

Prosecution’s case

The prosecution alleges that on January 15, 2023, in Mbarara city, Asiimwe forged a letter of confirmation dated January 16, 2011, addressed to Ssendegeya, claiming it had been signed by Mukami Kariuki of the World Bank Group.

It is further alleged that on August 17, 2023, in Mbarara city, Asiimwe forged a letter of activity review approval addressed to Ssendegeya, falsely claiming it had been issued by Kampala Archbishop Paul Ssemwogerere.

Money laundering charges

On charges of money laundering, the prosecution contends that on July 17, 2024, in Mbarara city, Asiimwe used sh35 million of the sh1.5 billion to purchase a plot of land at Kyarwabuganda cell, Kakoma parish, from Robert Mwebaze, knowing the money was illicitly acquired.

It is further alleged that on July 23, 2021, at Kempungu LC1 zone in Mbarara City, Asiimwe and others, still at large, used sh40 million to buy another plot of land at Kyarwabuganda cell, Kakoma ward, from Boaz Nyatira. The transaction was allegedly intended to disguise the source of the funds.

Additionally, the prosecution alleges that on October 14, 2023, in Mbarara city, Asiimwe transferred a Toyota Harrier motor vehicle, registration number UBM 44TC, to Brian Lubega. The vehicle was allegedly acquired using illicit funds, and the transfer was intended to conceal its source.

According to prosecutors, on July 11, 2024, at Kabaare LC1 zone in Mbarara city, Asiimwe bought another plot of land for sh12 million from Bruno Twinamatsiko, again allegedly knowing the funds were proceeds of crime.

She is also accused of purchasing land from Pison Byamukama for sh32 million in July 2021, despite being aware that the money used was illicitly obtained.