The Magistrate’s Court in Kamwenge District has denied bail to Kitagwenda District Chairperson Ismail Mushemeza, ordering that he remain on remand until February 5, 2026.
Mushemeza, who had reportedly been on the run since July 2025 before his arrest in December, appeared in court on Tuesday for a bail hearing.
He faces seven counts, including obtaining money by false pretence.
Grade One Magistrate Abdullswabul Seyiga declined to grant bail, noting that the case exceeds the jurisdiction of the Grade One Magistrate’s Court and should be handled by the Chief Magistrate.
The Chief Magistrate is currently on leave.
“This case is beyond the mandate of this court and should be handled by the Chief Magistrate,” Seyiga ruled, adjourning the matter to February 5, 2026, for further hearing.
Mushemeza’s lawyer, David Kamukama of Byamugisha Gabriel & Co-Advocates, expressed frustration over the delay.
“We are disappointed that the court allocated hearing dates fully aware that the Chief Magistrate would be on leave. This has unnecessarily prolonged our client’s stay on remand,” Kamukama said.
Mushemeza was arrested in December 2025 by police attached to the State House Anti-Corruption Unit following investigations into allegations of fraud.
He remains in custody at Kamwenge Government Prison awaiting his next court appearance.
