Kampala, Uganda – A 33-year-old Ugandan businesswoman, Ritah Namalwa, has been remanded to Luzira Prison for allegedly defrauding a city pastor of 700 million Ugandan shillings ($190,000).
Namalwa and her husband, Daniel Jeddy Kabanda, are accused of posing as employees of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and duping Bishop Griva Musisi Kiwanuka into paying them for processing licenses for two TV stations.
“The accused deceived the bishop into transferring 150 million shillings as an initial payment for the TV licenses,” said Mariam Kulusum, a state attorney from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. “The bishop later paid more money, ultimately losing 700 million shillings to the scam, having received forged invoices and receipts purportedly issued by UCC.”
Kabanda has reportedly fled to Botswana, prompting concerns that Namalwa may also escape if granted bail.
“We oppose the application for bail because the accused is likely to escape and join her husband in Botswana,” Kulusum said.
Namalwa faces charges of theft, impersonation, forgery, and uttering false documents, contrary to sections 237, 244, 354, 319, 324, and 328 of the Penal Code Act. If convicted, she could face up to 14 years in prison.
The case has been adjourned until today to allow the police officer who provided the information to face questioning.
