By Spy Uganda
Kampala: Dodoviko Mwanje, the alleged owner of the disputed land in Ndeeba, Kampala that used to hold St.Peter’s Church, was yesterday charged with illegal destruction of property by Makindye Court Magistrate Prossy Katushabe who remanded him to Luzira prison.
Dodovico appeared in the dock alongside Ivan Katongole, a KCCA urban planner who is alleged to have sanctioned the demolition of the church who was charged with conspiracy to commit an offence.
Dodovico the mastermind of demolition, was remanded along with 4 police officers, Rashid Agero, SP Martin Odero, SP David Epedu, Isabirye Kaloli and court bailiffs.
The senior police officers separately face charges related to disobeying lawful orders of the Kampala Metropolitan Area Police commander, Moses Kafeero in which he had asked them to oversee security deployment at the church in order to avert any possible demolition.
However, other suspects including a building inspection engineer for Lubaga division, a mechanic and a veteran soldier among others are charged with causing malicious damage to St. Peter’s church and theft of church property such as chairs and doors .
According to the prosecution, the group, between March and August 2020 conspired with several senior police officers to demolish St. Peter’s church in Ndeeba which was a property of the Church of Uganda. The police officers are currently remanded to Kitalya government prison
The case is being monitored and geared by Lt. Col. Edith Nakalema, the head of the Anti-corruption desk in State House who vowed that she will not rest until justice is served.
This afternoon, court remanded to prison 3 key suspects implicated in the destruction of St.Peters Church-Ndeeba; Dodoviko Mwanje-“mastermind”, @KCCAUG’s Ivan Katongole and SP.Martin Odero together with 17 others. No impunity. No corruption. May justice prevail.#ExposeTheCorrupt pic.twitter.com/tFl0BcP74b
— Lt. Col. Edith Nakalema (@edthnaka) August 24, 2020
“No impunity. No corruption. May justice prevail,” Nakalema said on her twitter account.
Recently, President Museveni visted the site where the church was demolished and assured Christians that government would construct a new church, as well as ensuring that the disputed land is retained by the church amidst condemning judges over the way they handle some issues.
“Judges should have limits and understand public interest. Demolishing a church is a curse. Also, ignore reports of those claiming the government demolished the church,”Museveni said.
