KAMPALA, Uganda | The Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court has granted non-cash bail of UGX 30 million to Arthur David Bagambe, a 47-year-old banker, and Ronald Ceaser Munyani, a 52-year-old lawyer, following charges of intermeddling in the estate of the late Charles William Makumbi Dumba and conspiracy to commit a felony. The accused are alleged to have engaged in unauthorized transactions involving the deceased’s property.

Background of the Case

The late Makumbi’s estate, including land registered on Busiro Block 459 Plot 15, was under the management of its administrators, David Luzige and Phillip Dumba. Court documents reveal that Bagambe allegedly sold two acres of the estate without authorization, leaving only 11.5 acres intact. He claims to have acquired the land from one Kaweesa, but his ownership was nullified by a Supreme Court ruling. The court ordered the restoration of the estate’s title to its original status, invalidating any claims by Bagambe.

Despite the Supreme Court ruling, Bagambe reportedly continued transactions on the land, including selling a portion to one Emma Birungi. The sales agreement was drafted and witnessed by Munyani, who also represented Birungi in the transaction. However, the administrators of the estate contested this, leading to multiple disputes.

Court Proceedings

The alleged unauthorized sale prompted Birungi to lodge a caveat on the land, escalating the matter further. Bagambe and Munyani were subsequently charged with two counts: intermeddling in the estate and conspiracy to commit a felony.

The Chief Magistrate granted bail for the duo, setting the terms at UGX 30 million non-cash bail and an additional non-cash bond of UGX 30 million for each surety.  The case has been adjourned to January 8, 2025, for further proceedings.