The Kamoga fraud case has taken a dramatic turn after Entebbe Chief Magistrate Stella Maris Amabilis decided to withdraw from the proceedings. She said she needed to protect her integrity and reputation amid allegations that she had privately communicated with the accused, renowned land broker Muhamad Kamoga.
Amabilis explained that stepping aside was necessary after hearing reports of a smear campaign suggesting inappropriate contact with the accused. She emphasized that although she had no personal interest in the matter, preserving public confidence in the judiciary was her top priority. Kamoga had earlier filed a complaint against her with the Judicial Service Commission, which further motivated her decision to recuse herself.
She reassigned the case to Grade One Magistrate Edgar Tusiime Tibayeita, who will preside over it starting July 16. Amabilis made the announcement shortly after Kamoga’s lawyer, Brian Tindyebwa, objected to her involvement. He claimed that Kamoga had discussed the case with her through WhatsApp.
Following the objection, Amabilis called both parties into her chambers for a private meeting. When she returned to the courtroom, she officially recused herself and directed the case to another magistrate. She described the move as necessary to avoid undermining public trust in the legal process.
Kamoga appeared in court just a day after the Supreme Court rejected his attempt to block the criminal trial. The court ruled that his ongoing appeal did not justify delaying prosecution.
The Kamoga fraud case involves allegations that the land broker forged transfer documents to take over more than 200 acres of land in Garuga-Bukaaya, Wakiso District. The land, originally owned by Peter Bibangamba, was allegedly transferred without proper consent. Prosecutors accuse Kamoga of using forged forms to register the property in his name.
Court officials believe the reassignment will allow the trial to proceed more smoothly. Legal experts say the judiciary must act transparently, especially in high-stakes land disputes. They argue that credible trials are essential for maintaining public trust in the justice system.
The next court session is scheduled for July 16, and observers expect it to attract significant public attention. The case continues to raise questions about accountability in Uganda’s property and legal systems.
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