By Spy Uganda
In a high-profile case involving alleged forgery, David Balondemu, Chairperson of the Kampala District Land Board, finds himself at the center of controversy as prosecutors have requested the recusal of one of his lawyers Robert Bautu. This attorney is reportedly a potential witness for the prosecution in the ongoing proceedings at Buganda Road Chief Magistrates Court.
During a recent court session, Balondemu faced three charges, including collusion with a doctor from Mulago National Referral Hospital to commit forgery. His bail application was postponed after prosecutor Viola Tusingwire expressed her inability to respond due to a lack of access to the police file.
Tusingwire further claimed that attorney Bautu, representing Balondemu, should withdraw from the case, citing his role as a state witness. When questioned about his involvement, Bautu stated he had not recorded any statements with the police and was willing to step aside if evidence was presented against him.
Sources indicate that several lawyers present during the submission of the alleged forged documents may also be called as witnesses. This group includes state attorney Ivan Kyazze and private lawyer Caleb Alaka.
Currently held in Luzira Prison, Balondemu has been remanded until October 23, 2024. The prosecution alleges he, along with Dr. Hassan Ssegujja and others, created false medical documents, including a prescription and a CT scan form, purportedly issued at Kampala Hospital.
Balondemu’s legal troubles began when State House Anti Corruption Unit earlier this year intervened and arrested him over obtaining money by false pretence and conspiracy to defraud over UGX 2.2Billion from an American Company, KG Unlimited LL.C, knowingly and fraudulently forged medical documents in support of his bail application.
Balondemu and his law firm, M/s Balon Advocates and Bloom Advocates are also facing criminal investigations for defrauding six international companies over Shs 41bn.
Key among the investigations involving him and his law firms M/s Balon Advocates and Bloom Advocates include; Defrauding a Turkish Company, Guner Kuzu Construction Limited of USD 3,806,885 (about UGX 14BN), in a purported procurement for construction of hospitals in Uganda.
Other Listed Fraud Cases Against Balondemu & His Law Firms Are;
- Defrauding of Air Options Pty Ltd, a South African Company of USD 1.7M (about UGX 6.3BN), in a purported procurement for supply, installation and maintenance of air conditioners by the Ministry of Local Government.
- Defrauding of Tecmo Automation Pty Ltd, a South African Company of USD 410,520 (about UGX 1.5BN), in a purported procurement for supply of fuel and lubricants at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development.
- Defrauding of Marce’ Firefighting Technology Pty, a South African Company of USD 60,000 (about UGX 225M).
- Fraudulent conversion of property comprised in Plot 20 Prince Charles Drive using a forged Minute No. KDLB.53/6.4/2022.
- Fraudulent allocation of non-existent land purportedly comprised in LRV 4645 Folio 13, Plot 1-5, Kyambogo Link to a Kenyan
- Company, Babubhai Construction Limited. On 12th October, 2023, an invoice of UGX 450,000,000 by M/s Bloom Advocates, signed by Balondemu, was issued to the company. The allocation was issued by Kampala District Land Board, which he chairs. All these are according to SHACU!
Meanwhile, Balondemu for long has been claiming that he has never personally received the said moneys and that the prosecution has never brought any evidence on the same.
