Godfrey Tumusiime, a 38-year-old resident of Bwezibwera in Kiboga, found himself in legal trouble on May 3, 2024. He was charged with impersonating a Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) officer, an offense that allegedly took place between March and April 2024. The charges were brought against him at the Nakasero-based Anti-Corruption Court before Senior Grade One Magistrate Christopher Opit. Tumusiime faced two accusations: assuming the character of an officer, as outlined in sections 198(a) and (b) of the East Africa Community Customs Act, 2004, and obtaining money by false pretense, as per section 305 of the Penal Code Act.
The prosecution, represented by Hildah Atusimiire from URA, claimed that Tumusiime pretended to be a URA officer during the mentioned period. Allegedly, he conducted compliance checks in Kasanda district, particularly at the premises of Unvira Mumaana Enterprise SMS Limited, a company involved in manufacturing Envubu Extra alcoholic Kombucha drinks. It is asserted that Tumusiime obtained three million Ugandan shillings from Sulaiman Ssebunje, the proprietor of the enterprise, under false pretenses.
Denying the charges against him, Tumusiime was remanded to Luzira prison until May 14, 2024. Magistrate Opit refused bail, citing Tumusiime’s failure to provide substantial sureties. Opit clarified that according to the Anti-Corruption Case Management Rule 7, the court requires sureties with the financial capacity to act as such. Tumusiime was advised to reapply for bail, ensuring that the sureties presented all necessary documentation, including national identification, a local council letter, and financial statements.
Before being remanded, Tumusiime requested bail on the grounds of illness. However, Opit insisted that he provide a medical report for the court to consider his plea.
