KAMPALA. Mr Abdullah Byakatonda, of the legislators representing workers in Parliament is in trouble after being charged with obtaining money by false pretence .
His case is linked to a $220,000 (about Shs814 million) fraud involving the alleged sale of prime properties in Kampala.
Byakatonda was arrested shortly after his nomination on Thursday and brought under tight security before Grade One Magistrate Jalia Basajjabalaba at the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court, where the charges were formally read to him.
According to the prosecution, Byakatonda—then serving as Chairperson of the Divestiture Committee of the Departed Asians Property Custodian Board (DAPCB)—fraudulently obtained $220,000 from businessman Asuman Nkambwe in July 2019.
He allegedly claimed that the money was a commitment fee for the purchase of two prime properties located on Martin Road and Rashid Road in Kampala.
Investigators say Nkambwe later discovered that the properties in question were not available for sale and that the transaction had no authorization from the DAPCB, prompting him to report the matter to authorities.
Byakatonda, who represents workers in Parliament, denied the charges, and the prosecution informed court that inquiries into the matter were complete.
Magistrate Basajjabalaba subsequently granted him bail and adjourned the case to a later date for further proceedings.
The case has drawn public attention due to Byakatonda’s high-profile position and his role in a committee responsible for managing assets formerly owned by departed Asians—an area long plagued by allegations of corruption and fraudulent dealings.
If convicted, Byakatonda could face a maximum sentence of five years in prison under Section 305 of the Penal Code Act.