KAMPALA, Uganda — An anonymous whistleblower has sent a scathing letter to Uganda’s Chief Registrar of the High Court, alleging a widespread scheme of judicial misconduct and procedural fraud at Mengo Chief Magistrates’ Court and other Kampala courts, orchestrated by a money lending firm to exploit debtors.
The detailed, undated letter, exclusively obtained by The Associated Press, claims that Earth Rich Company Limited, in collaboration with its legal firm, Arthur-Arutha Legal & Co. Advocates, and specific magistrates, has systematically manipulated court processes to ensure debtors are denied fair hearings, leading to their often swift and illegal imprisonment.
The whistleblower, who identifies as Matovu Joshua, states they are “one of the many individuals adversely affected by irregular proceedings” and requested anonymity to “safeguard myself from potential retaliation.” However, they assert their concerns are “based on verifiable facts.”
The allegations paint a picture of a sophisticated syndicate. According to the letter, the scheme begins with the quiet initiation of lawsuits on the Electronic Court Management Information System (ECMIS). Summons are then allegedly fabricated, either sent to incorrect physical addresses or altered WhatsApp numbers, ensuring debtors never receive proper notification.
Charles Muhwezi, identified as a process server for Arthur-Arutha Legal & Co. Advocates and a court bailiff, is accused of swearing false affidavits of service, which are intentionally not uploaded to ECMIS to hide irregularities.
After securing an ex parte judgment (one granted without the debtor’s knowledge or presence), Muhwezi allegedly conducts months of surveillance on debtors to establish their routines before orchestrating an ambush and arrest with compromised police officers.
The letter further alleges that Arthur Murangira, managing partner of Arthur-Arutha Legal & Co. Advocates and managing director of Earth Rich Company Limited, and Kithula Keith, a lawyer for the company, conspire with court clerks to facilitate ex parte taxation hearings, inflating court costs. Records of these hearings are purportedly withheld from ECMIS.
Bernard Mubangizi, a loan officer for Earth Rich Company, is accused of maintaining “financial connections” with magistrates and coordinating arrests to ensure a pre-selected magistrate is on duty to immediately commit debtors to prison.
The whistleblower describes “brutally inhumane” prison conditions, including overcrowding, infestations, inadequate food, and restricted communication, all designed to coerce desperate debtors into quick payments. Debtors are allegedly given the choice to “raise money quickly” or endure a six-month sentence, which can ruin their financial and professional lives.
Should debtors attempt a counterclaim, the letter claims Earth Rich Co. Limited, Arthur-Arutha Legal & Co., and colluding magistrates “conspire to forge new court documents,” including falsified debtor signatures and backdated notices, to reinforce the company’s fraudulent claims. The high cost of appeals is said to further incapacitate victims.
The letter lists 21 specific cases at Mengo Chief Magistrates’ Court and other Kampala courts, including Buganda Road, Luzira, and Nakawa, identifying the debtor, case number, and assigned magistrate. These cases are presented as evidence of “systematic abuse of legal procedures orchestrated through deliberate judicial misconduct, procedural irregularities, and manipulation of ECMIS records.”
The whistleblower explicitly names key individuals allegedly involved in the “money lender racket”:
- Ainomugisha Onesmus (Credit Manager, Earth Rich Company Limited):Accused of initiating fraudulent lawsuits, swearing false affidavits, and forging signatures on loan agreements and court documents under Murangira’s instruction.
- Charles Muhwezi (Process Server/Court Bailiff):Accused of falsifying summons service, swearing false affidavits, tracking debtors, and executing illegal arrests.
- Bernard Mubangizi (Loan Officer, Earth Rich Company Limited):Accused of maintaining financial connections with magistrates, directing case handling, and coordinating arrests for immediate imprisonment.
- Arthur Murangira (Managing Partner, Arthur-Arutha Legal & Co. Advocates, and Managing Director, Earth Rich Company Limited):Described as the “mastermind” behind the judicial manipulation, drafting exploitative loan agreements, overseeing ECMIS system manipulation, and directing compromised judicial staff.
- Kithula Lusunzo Keith (Lawyer for Earth Rich Company Limited):Accused of representing the company in fraudulent cases, negotiating “underhanded deals” with court staff, and ensuring swift ex parte
The whistleblower “strongly urge[s]” the Chief Registrar to order the “immediate transfer of all magistrates implicated” in these cases at Mengo and other affected courts to prevent interference with investigations and restore judicial integrity. They also request “temporary suspension of magistrates pending inquiry” and disciplinary proceedings for those found complicit.
The letter concludes with a plea for decisive and immediate action, including a “full judicial audit,” to restore credibility to the judiciary and prevent further erosion of public trust.
