Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze’s husband, Henry Bakireke, yesterday appeared before the Grade Two Magistrate at Nabweru Magistrate’s Court on charges related to an unpaid debt of Shs 31.9 million.
The case, brought forward by Dora Associates, stems from Bakileke’s failure to comply with a court order to settle the outstanding amount.
According to Dora Associates, efforts to recover the debt were unsuccessful, leading to a warrant for Bakireke’s arrest issued by the Nabweru Magistrate’s Court.
“We made multiple attempts to contact the accused to clear the debt, but he failed to comply, prompting us to enforce the arrest warrant,” a representative from Dora Associates told Bbeg Media.
Bakireke, dressed in khaki trousers and a short-sleeved shirt, appeared visibly frail in court, accompanied by his legal team, which included representatives from Nyombi and Co. Advocates and Mayanja, Nakibuule and Co. Advocates.
Also present were Mukono South MP Abdullah Kiwanuka and lawyer Samuel Muyizzi Mulindwa, who supported Bakireke during the proceedings.
The complainant, Richard Mutabazi of Makerere Kavule, alleged that Bakireke purchased a grey Nissan Hardbody (registration UBG 982D) for Shs 40 million on March 16, 2021. Mutabazi claimed Bakireke paid only Shs 22 million upfront leaving an outstanding balance of Shs 18 million. The money has since shot to Shs 31.9 million with interest and legal fees.
According to Mutabazi, Bakireke has defaulted on the payments for many months.
Mutabazi further stated that attempts to serve Bakireke through his former legal representatives, Lukwago and Co. Advocates, were unsuccessful, as they declined service, insisting on consulting their client first. Bakireke then directed the complainant to serve his new legal team, Nyombi and Co. Advocates, followed by Mayanja, Nakibuule and Co. Advocates.
During the hearing, both parties agreed to resolve the matter out of court. The magistrate granted Bakireke’s release, giving him a two-week ultimatum to settle the debt, despite his legal team’s request for a three-month extension to arrange payment.
