Prominent Kampala lawyer Drake Twebaze Katabazi has been remanded to Luzira Prison by the Buganda Road Chief Magistrates Court over his alleged involvement in a high-level fraud scheme that defrauded an American company of more than Shs2 billion.
On Tuesday, Grade One Magistrate Alex Niyonzima presided over the court session in which Katabazi denied all charges. The prosecution requested more time to verify documents submitted by his sureties. Consequently, the magistrate ordered that Katabazi be remanded until June 13, 2025, when his bail application will be reconsidered.
Katabazi, a resident of Rushebeya Trading Centre in Kitojo Parish, Rwamucucu Sub-county, Rukiga District, is jointly charged with five others. These include:
- David Balondemu, lawyer and Chairman of the Kampala District Land Board
- Joseph Ibona, accountant at Bloom Advocates
- Ronald Kaweesa Tumusiime Kizito, alias Denis, a carpenter from Kawempe
- Martin Kasenge, alias Dr. Alfred Musinguzi, a businessman based in Kira, Wakiso District
- Eric Geoffrey Mkwe, also a lawyer
According to the prosecution, between November 2022 and April 2023, the group conspired to defraud Talib Antonio McDowell, a representative of KG Unlimited LLC, a U.S.-based company. The suspects allegedly posed as intermediaries for a non-existent contract with the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, claiming it involved the supply of drone sprayers and fertilizers. The company was reportedly swindled out of USD 553,000 (approx. Shs2.08 billion).
To lend legitimacy to the scheme, the group is accused of forging official documents, including a letter falsely attributed to the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA).
Katabazi’s arrest was executed by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit under the leadership of Brigadier Henry Isoke. He was detained last week and remained in custody until his court appearance.
While the other accused had previously been granted bail, the trial is yet to commence as investigations continue and authorities search for additional suspects still at large.
