Simon Muzaale, a proprietor of the Blood of Jesus Ministries International, found himself in legal trouble on April 30, 2024, as he appeared before the Buganda Road Court, accused of pouring murram into a wetland in Mukono district.
Charged under the National Environment Act, Muzaale faces accusations of erecting a perimeter wall fence and depositing murram in a wetland, offenses that carry a maximum sentence of 12 years’ imprisonment upon conviction. Additionally, he is charged with failure to comply with an environment restoration order.
Denying the charges, Muzaale, 44, a resident of Namanve Akright Estates in Mukono district, appeared before Chief Magistrate Gladys Kamasanyu.
Court documents reveal that Muzaale’s church is located in the Lwajale wetland, opposite Seeta High School.
State Attorney Judith Nyamwiza, representing the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP), informed the court that investigations were complete, urging for a hearing date. She was assisted by Carol Omoro, a legal officer from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
Despite objections from the State Attorney, Chief Magistrate Kamasanyu granted the accused bail, setting it at Ugx 2 million in cash. Muzaale’s sureties, including two pastors and his wife, Florence Muzaale, were each required to execute a non-cash bond of Ugx 100 million.
The court ordered that Muzaale’s national identity card remains in its possession until the case is resolved.
Nyamwiza argued against bail, citing concerns that Muzaale might flee trial, especially as he had allegedly failed to report back to the police since his release on bond. She also noted that Muzaale had initiated legal action at the Civil Division of the High Court, seeking to halt NEMA’s orders.
The prosecution alleges that Muzaale failed to comply with an environmental restoration order dated November 1, 2023, and erected a perimeter wall fence in the wetland system without NEMA approval.
Furthermore, it is claimed that he deposited murram into a section of the wetland without the necessary authorization.
Reportedly, the church building, situated on nearly three acres of wetland, has already been demolished.
The court adjourned the case to June 18, 2024, for further proceedings.
