Tycoon Kaahwa Secures Bail After 5 Days Behind Bars

(Buliisa) – Tycoon Francis Kaahwa, a prominent businessman with several enterprises across Uganda’s major cities, was released on bail after spending five days in Masindi Government Prison. The 72 year-old, whose country home is in Kigwera sub-county, Buliisa district, was arrested on August 15, 2024, in Kampala and later appeared before the Buliisa Grade One Magistrate Court on charges including land grabbing, false declaration, forgery, and uttering false documents.

Kaahwa, who faced six counts in total, was accused of making a false application to convert customary land to freehold. The prosecution, led by Senior Resident State Attorney Steven Asaba, stated that on January 18, 2006, Kaahwa allegedly made a fraudulent application to the Masindi Land Board, claiming to be the customary owner of approximately 500 acres of land located in Itutwe, Kihungya parish, Biiso sub-county, Buliisa district. The application was reportedly signed by a person identified as Lukumu Kadogoli.

During his court appearance, Kaahwa pleaded not guilty to all charges. His legal team, led by lawyer Daniel Omara, appealed for bail, citing Kaahwa’s status as a first-time offender and his role as the sole breadwinner for his family. The defense also highlighted Kaahwa’s health conditions, including diabetes and high blood pressure, which require regular medical attention.

Despite the defense’s arguments, Magistrate Aggrey Atamba initially denied Kaahwa bail and remanded him to Masindi Government Prison until August 20, 2024. However, during a subsequent court session on Tuesday, Atamba granted Kaahwa a cash bail of 3 million Ugandan shillings. Kaahwa appeared in court at 11 a.m. in a packed courtroom and was ordered to reappear on September 19, 2024, for the hearing of his case.

Kaahwa’s sureties, who were granted a non cash bail of 4 million Ugandan shillings each, included Gilbert Tibasima, Vice Chairperson of Buliisa, and district councillor John Bala Chuii Muzamiru. The court session drew considerable attention.