The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kampala, Uganda | URN | The Court of Appeal in Kampala has upheld the conviction of two former Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) officials and confirmed their 10-year disqualification from holding public office over a bribery case. The officials, Beatrice Nakibuuka and Jocelyn Wagaba Twemanye, who previously served as Ward Administrator and Administrative Officer, respectively, were convicted of soliciting and receiving a bribe of UGX 300,000 from a service seeker, Edul Misaki.
The case stems from December 22, 2020, when the two officials allegedly demanded the money as facilitation for organizing a family meeting concerning the estate of Misaki’s late brother. Following investigations, they were jointly charged before the Chief Magistrate’s Court at the Anti-Corruption Division in Buganda Road under the Anti-Corruption Act.
During the 2021 trial, the prosecution presented evidence showing that the two coordinated in demanding the money, including communication with the complainant before the scheduled meeting. Chief Magistrate Joan Aciro found the evidence sufficient and convicted both on the charge of corrupt solicitation. Nakibuuka was additionally convicted on a second count of receiving gratification. The court imposed fines of UGX 1.5 million each for the first count, and an additional UGX 1 million for Nakibuuka on the second count, with default custodial sentences. Both paid the fines but were also barred from holding public office for 10 years.
Dissatisfied with the ruling, the two appealed to the High Court Anti-Corruption Division, arguing that the trial court misinterpreted evidence, relied on hearsay, and failed to address inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case. However, in a judgment delivered on March 25, 2024, Justice Margaret Tibulya dismissed the appeal, affirming that the trial court had properly evaluated the evidence.
The duo then filed a second appeal at the Court of Appeal, raising legal concerns including a lack of direct evidence, reliance on phone communication without call printouts, and alleged improper admission of hearsay evidence. In its judgment delivered on March 31, 2026, a panel comprising Justices Geoffrey Kiryabwire, Ketra Kitariisibwa Katunguka, and Cornelia Kakooza Sabiiti dismissed the appeal, emphasizing that second appeals are limited strictly to matters of law.
The court held that both the trial court and the High Court had made consistent findings that the appellants solicited and received the bribe, and that these findings were supported by evidence on record. On the issue of phone records, the justices ruled that there is no legal requirement for call printouts where other credible evidence proves communication.
Regarding claims of hearsay, the court found that the contested testimony was not central to the conviction and that sufficient independent evidence existed. The justices also noted that any inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case were minor and did not affect the overall strength of the evidence. Finding no error of law or miscarriage of justice, the Court of Appeal upheld the High Court decision in full, confirming the convictions, fines, and the 10-year ban from public office imposed on the two former officials.
