KAMPALA — The Anti-Corruption Court in Nakasero is today, November 24, 2025, expected to deliver its sentence in the case of Francis Ateng, a former Principal Assistant Secretary at the Ministry of Lands Zonal Office in Lira, who was convicted for his role in the fraudulent allocation of Uganda Railways Corporation (URC) land in Lira District.
On November 10, 2025, Chief Magistrate Racheal Nakyazze set this date after hearing final submissions from Senior State Attorney Viola Atusingwire of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and defence lawyer Evans Ochieng.
Ateng was convicted on October 24, 2025, after the court found him guilty of several offences, and his bail was cancelled as he awaits sentencing.
During the sentencing submissions, Atusingwire urged the court to impose a strict custodial sentence, stressing the seriousness of the offences. She highlighted that:
- Forgery under Section 342 of the Penal Code Act carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
- Abuse of office attracts a maximum of seven years.
- Conspiracy to commit a felony also carries a maximum of seven years.
She argued that Ateng’s actions enabled the fraudulent allocation of URC land, noting that he approved and uploaded forged documents into the Uganda National Land Information System. The case was investigated by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit.
However, defence lawyer Ochieng asked the court to consider imposing a fine instead of a prison term, saying Ateng is a family man with many dependents who rely on him. He said his client had shown remorse, cooperated throughout the trial, and had no previous criminal record—factors he argued should be taken as mitigation.
In her earlier judgment, Magistrate Nakyazze ruled that the prosecution had proved the case beyond reasonable doubt, leading to Ateng’s conviction on all counts.
“I find the prosecution has discharged its burden. I therefore find Ateng guilty and convict him on all the counts,” she stated.
Following the conviction, Ateng was remanded to Luzira Prison, where he has been awaiting today’s sentencing decision.
