State prosecutors miss court again in ex-ULC boss Byenkya case

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State prosecutors handling the case in which interdicted Uganda Land Commission (ULC) chairperson Beatrice Byenkya is accused of obstructing investigators have failed to appear in court for the third consecutive time, the Anti-Corruption Court has heard.

Byenkya and her co-accused had appeared before the Anti-Corruption Court to present their defence in the case. Her co-accused are Police officers Richard Godfrey Anywar, Titus Wamono and Edward Turyatunga. 

Today, February 9, 2026, defence lawyer John Mary Muwaya told court that although the matter was fixed for defence, the prosecution has repeatedly failed to show up without offering any explanation. Other defence lawyers on the case are Charles Tibaijuka and George Maiteki.

“We are unable to proceed with the defence in the absence of the prosecution, and we seek an adjournment,” Muwaya submitted.

Perusing through the court records, Chief Magistrate Peter Fred Lochomin noted that the state prosecutor has not attended proceedings in the matter since August 19, 2025.

The magistrate advised the accused persons to consult their lawyers on how they intend to present their defence, explaining that they may choose to testify on oath and be cross-examined, testify without oath, or remain silent.

Lochomin adjourned the case to March 24 for the defence hearing.

Background

Court records indicate that the Inspector General of Government (IGG) investigating team on January 4, 2022, went to ULC offices to retrieve files from Byenkya’s office as they investigated allegations of misappropriation of funds, amounting to millions of shillings, and abuse of office against Byenkya.

It is alleged that the Police officers drew a gun at the IGG investigating team, who wanted to conduct a search at the land boss’ office.

Byenkya and her bodyguards are battling charges of obstruction of search and abuse of office, contrary to sections 35 and 11 of the Inspectorate of Government Act and the Anti-Corruption Act, 2002, respectively.

Obstruction of a search attracts a maximum sentence of three years in jail, on conviction, while abuse of office elicits seven-year-jail term.

Allegations

Prosecution alleges that Byenkya and the three Police officers, on January 4, 2021, at ULC, without lawful justification or excuse, wilfully obstructed and hindered three IG staff from carrying out a search of the office of the chairperson while they were acting in the exercise of powers conferred by the IG Act, 2002.