Editor
The Kabale Grade I Magistrates Court has further adjourned the hearing of the case involving Mary Paula Kebirungi Turyahikayo, the former Member of Parliament for Rubabo County in Rukungiri District, and her husband, Eng. Turyahikayo, the former Executive Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA). They accuse Angello Twinomuhangi Bagorogoza, her former political aide, of theft and fraud involving UGX 440 million.
Angello Twinomuhangi Bagorogoza, a resident of Rwamukundi Cell in Kabale Municipality, faces charges of theft and obtaining money by false pretenses. The allegations state that between October 2020 and February 2021, while at Centenary Bank in Kabale, he allegedly stole UGX 440 million intended for purchasing land at Rwakaraba, Plot 35 on the Kabale-Kisoro Road, belonging to Eng. Godfrey Turyahikayo and Hon. Mary Paula Kebirungi Turyahikayo.
Additionally, Bagorogoza is charged with obtaining UGX 440 million through false pretenses during the same period and at the same location.
Last month, the court found that there was a prima facie case against Bagorogoza for theft and fraud. Magistrate Pascal Olupot, who presides over the case, determined that the ten prosecution witnesses provided sufficient evidence to establish a prima facie case, leading to Bagorogoza being required to present his defense.
On Wednesday, Bagorogoza began his defense, asserting that he did not steal the money but had worked for Mary Paula Turyahikayo and her husband since December 2011.
Prosecutor Julie Nanjunju introduced an attendance list from a campaign meeting, noting discrepancies between the names on the list and those of people who were supposed to be facilitated. Bagorogoza’s lawyers, Justus Muhangi and Patience Nasiima, objected, claiming this new evidence was not disclosed at the start of the trial. The magistrate ruled the evidence admissible but allowed time for the defense to review it.
The case has been adjourned to October 25, 2024, for further hearing of the defense.
