Mitooma District Chairperson, Mr. Benon Karyeija Boneza, has called on the judiciary to expedite the process of replacing the former Chief Magistrate, Ms. Sylvia Nvanungi, who was removed and arraigned in court in November 2023 over allegations of accepting a Shs2.5 million bribe.
The plea was made during the Greater Bushenyi regional stakeholders meeting on January 8, coinciding with the opening of the criminal plea-taking session for the newly created High Court circuit serving the five districts of Bushenyi, Mitooma, Buhweju, Sheema, and Rubirizi.
Mr. Karyeija expressed concern about the void left by Ms. Nvanungi’s removal, leading to delays in delivering justice to the people of Mitooma. He urged the judiciary to appoint someone to oversee the pending cases in Mitooma, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the situation.
Responding to Mr. Karyeija’s concerns, Bushenyi High Court resident judge, Justice Amos Kwizera, assured that Chief Magistrate Mr. Simon Toko of Bushenyi would temporarily serve in Mitooma as they await the replacement for Ms. Nvanungi. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that every district has a chief magistrate and acknowledged the challenges faced by Mitooma in the absence of one.
Ms. Nvanungi, along with the Sembabule district Resident State Attorney, Ms. Bako Jackline, was arrested by the State House Anti-corruption unit in November last year for allegedly soliciting and receiving a bribe. The two denied the charges in the Anti-corruption court in Kampala and were granted bail, with a court appearance scheduled for January 19, 2024.
