The Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court has denied bail to Ethiopian national Tigist Ayalew, who is facing charges related to a Shs917 million land fraud.
Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi ruled on Thursday that Ayalew could not be trusted with temporary freedom after she failed to present substantial sureties capable of guaranteeing her appearance in court.
“I have considered the gravity of the offence. The accused is a non-Ugandan and is considered a flight risk. The case involves over Shs900 million, and none of the sureties presented have demonstrated the financial capacity to pay the bond if the accused absconds,” Mr. Kayizzi said. “I do not find the sureties substantial and, for that reason, I decline to release the accused on bail.”
He advised Ayalew to reapply for bail on the next adjournment date, scheduled for September 10, with more credible sureties.
Ayalew was charged earlier this month alongside two Ugandan lawyers, Bob Mwanjuzi and Lawrence Kalamu. The trio faces multiple charges including forgery, uttering false documents, conspiracy to commit a felony, and obtaining money by false pretence.
According to prosecutors, between January and August 2023, the accused defrauded businesswoman Kalpana Abe of Shs917 million using a forged 10-year land lease agreement. The lease, dated April 20, 2023, was allegedly between SEMA Holding Limited and Ephrata Investments Group Limited, and was presented as evidence of a lucrative investment opportunity.
Prosecution further claims that Ayalew operated private businesses in Uganda without a valid work permit. She is alleged to have served as director of Ephrata Investments and run two Kampala nightclubs, Hide Out Lounge and Circuit Lounge, between 2021 and May 2025, in violation of immigration laws.
All the accused have denied the charges.
Meanwhile, criminal summons have been issued for a fourth suspect, Sisay Bekure Melkamu, who remains at large, as the investigation into the high-profile fraud case continues to unfold.
