KAMPALA,Uganda | The ongoing forgery case against Nuwamanya Kenneth, accused of falsifying the signature of First Lady Janet Museveni, faces a potential dismissal if the prosecution fails to present sufficient evidence. Buganda Road Chief Magistrate Court has set November 27, 2024, as the final deadline for the prosecution to provide credible proof or risk having the case dismissed.

Kenneth, a resident of Bulenga in Wakiso District, was arrested on August 23, 2023, at the Ministry of Education offices in Kampala. He was found in possession of documents allegedly bearing a forged signature of the First Lady. According to the prosecution, Kenneth had hoped to secure her endorsement as the patron of his organization, Umoja Youth Initiative Development Uganda, and had used the forged signature in an attempt to obtain funding for an event planned at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.

Charged with forgery in May 2024, Kenneth has since been on remand as the case has faced repeated delays. During the recent court session, the Chief Magistrate expressed concern over the prosecution’s inability to present evidence or produce witnesses. The court emphasized that if the prosecution does not fulfill its obligations by the next hearing, the case will be dismissed due to lack of evidence.

Under Ugandan law, the prosecution bears the burden of proving the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. Failure to meet this standard typically results in dismissal, especially when no credible witnesses or evidence are produced.

The decision will be a significant moment in the case, potentially ending Kenneth’s lengthy remand period. The next hearing on November 27 will determine whether the prosecution can salvage the case or if the court will be compelled to dismiss it for insufficient evidence.