KAMPALA, UGANDA – Buganda Road Chief Magistrates Court has denied bail to Ethiopian national Tigist Ayalew, who is accused of orchestrating a land fraud scheme involving Shs917 million.
Presiding Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi ruled on Thursday that Ayalew could not be granted temporary release due to her failure to present substantial sureties capable of guaranteeing her appearance in court.
“The case involves over Shs900 million, and none of the sureties presented have demonstrated to court that they possess the financial capacity to pay the bond if the accused absconds,” Magistrate Kayizzi said.
Ayalew is jointly charged with Ugandan lawyers Bob Mwanjuzi and Lawrence Kalamu. The trio allegedly defrauded businesswoman Kalpana Abe by presenting a forged 10-year land lease, which was used to facilitate a fraudulent investment transaction between SEMA Holding Limited and Ephrata Investments Group Limited.
According to prosecutors, the suspects received the money from Kalpana between January and August 2023 under false pretenses.
Beyond the land fraud charges, Ayalew is also accused of illegally operating private businesses in Uganda, including nightclubs in Kampala, without a valid work permit. Authorities say her activities highlight growing concerns over foreign nationals allegedly conducting business unlawfully in the country.
Meanwhile, the court has issued criminal summons for a fourth suspect, Sisay Bekure Melkamu, who is still at large.
The case has now been adjourned to 10th September 2025, for further hearing..
