KABALE, Uganda — The Kabale Grade I Magistrate’s Court has convicted Angello Twinomuhangi Bagorogoza, a Rukungiri District LC5 Chairperson aspirant, on two counts of theft and obtaining money by false pretence involving Shs440 million.
Twinomuhangi, who is contesting for the Rukungiri District LC5 Chairperson seat as an independent candidate, was found guilty of stealing money belonging to former Rubabo County Member of Parliament Mary Paula Turyahikayo Kebirungyi and her husband, Engineer Godfrey Rwihunga Turyahikayo.
According to the prosecution, the accused unlawfully appropriated Shs440 million that had been entrusted to him for the purchase of family land. Court heard that the offences were committed between October 2020 and February 2021 at Centenary Bank, Kabale Branch. The funds were reportedly intended to facilitate the purchase of land located at Rwakaraba, Plot 35, Block 18, but were instead diverted for personal use. The prosecution was led by Kabale Senior State Attorney Julie Nanjjuju.
Presiding over the matter on Monday, Grade I Magistrate Aziza Nyevu ruled that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and consequently convicted Twinomuhangi on both counts.
During the proceedings, defence lawyer Solomon Atiba requested the court to defer sentencing, citing his client’s illness and absence from court. He further informed the court that an application for review had been filed before the Kabale High Court challenging the legality of the proceedings and alleging that the judgment had leaked to the public.
However, Magistrate Nyevu dismissed the application, noting that court records showed the accused last appeared in August 2025 and that it had previously been agreed that judgment would be delivered regardless of his presence.
“The last time we were here, it was agreed that regardless of the circumstances, whether your client was present or not, the court would proceed and deliver judgment,” Nyevu ruled.
Following the conviction, the court issued a warrant of arrest against Twinomuhangi and scheduled March 10, 2026, for sentencing.
Mary Paula Turyahikayo Kebirungyi welcomed the court’s decision, describing it as the conclusion of a long legal battle in pursuit of accountability.
