The former Rukungiri LC5 chairperson Candidate Angello Twinomuhangi Bagorogoza has been convicted by the Kabale Grade I Magistrate’s Court on two counts of theft and obtaining money by false pretence involving Shs 440 million.
Twinomuhangi, who previously served as a political aide to former Rubabo County MP and current Rukungiri District Woman MP-elect Mary Paula Turyahikayo Kebirungyi, was found guilty of fraudulently obtaining Shs 440,000,000 from the legislator and her husband, Eng. Godfrey Rwihunga Turyahikayo.
Court heard that the money was intended to purchase land for the MP’s family.
According to the prosecution, led by Kabale Senior State Attorney Julie Nanjjuju, the offences were committed between October 2020 and February 2021 at Centenary Bank, Kabale branch. The accused reportedly received the funds under the pretext that they would be used to buy land located at Rwakaraba, Plot 35, Block 18.
On Monday, the court presided over by Grade I Magistrate Aziza Nyevu convicted Twinomuhangi on both counts after ruling that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
Twinomuhangi’s lawyer, Solomon Atiba, pleaded with the court to adjourn sentencing, citing his client’s illness and absence.
He also informed court that they had petitioned the High Court in Kabale seeking a review of the case, challenging its legality.
However, Magistrate Nyevu declined the request, noting that court records indicated the accused last appeared in court in August last year and that it had previously been agreed judgment would be delivered whether he was present or not.
“The last time we were here, we agreed that regardless of whether your client is around or not, I would proceed to read the judgment,” Nyevu ruled.
Following the conviction, the magistrate issued a warrant of arrest for Twinomuhangi and set March 10, 2026, as the date for sentencing.
Speaking after the ruling, Turyahikayo welcomed the judgment, saying justice had finally been served after a long and challenging process.
She commended the Kabale Senior State Attorney for what she described as tireless efforts to ensure accountability.
