Rukungiri LC5 aspirant convicted headlines dominated Kabale on Monday after the Grade I Magistrate’s Court found Angello Twinomuhangi Bagorogoza guilty of stealing Shs 440 million. The court convicted him on two counts of theft and obtaining money by false pretence.
The Rukungiri LC5 aspirant convicted ruling follows a lengthy legal process involving funds allegedly entrusted to him for a land purchase.
Kabale Court Convicts Rukungiri LC5 Aspirant
The Kabale Grade I Magistrate’s Court delivered its verdict after concluding that the prosecution had proved the case beyond reasonable doubt. Grade I Magistrate Aziza Nyevu presided over the matter.
Twinomuhangi, a former Rukungiri District LC5 chairperson aspirant, had also served as a political aide to former Rubabo County Member of Parliament Mary Paula Turyahikayo Kebirungyi.
According to court records, the money belonged to Kebirungyi and her husband, Engineer Godfrey Rwihunga Turyahikayo. The funds were reportedly entrusted to the accused to facilitate the purchase of land.
Details of the Shs 440m Theft Case
Prosecution, led by Kabale Senior State Attorney Julie Nanjjuju, told court that the offences occurred between October 2020 and February 2021 at Centenary Bank, Kabale Branch.
The Shs 440 million was intended for the purchase of land located at Rwakaraba, Plot 35, Block 18. Instead, the court heard that the money was unlawfully appropriated.
After reviewing the evidence, Magistrate Nyevu ruled that the prosecution had successfully established its case. As a result, the Rukungiri LC5 aspirant convicted decision was entered on both charges.
Defense Plea Rejected by Court
During proceedings, defense lawyer Solomon Atiba asked court to defer sentencing. He cited his client’s illness and absence from court.
Atiba also informed court that an application for review had been filed before the Kabale High Court. The application challenged the legality of the proceedings and alleged that the judgment had been leaked to the public.
However, Magistrate Nyevu dismissed the request. She noted that court records showed the accused last appeared in August 2025. At that time, parties had agreed that judgment would be delivered whether or not the accused was present.
She emphasized that the court would proceed as earlier agreed, regardless of the circumstances.
Warrant of Arrest Issued
Following the Rukungiri LC5 aspirant convicted ruling, the court issued a warrant of arrest for Twinomuhangi. Sentencing was scheduled for March 10, 2026.
The complainant, Mary Paula Turyahikayo Kebirungyi, welcomed the decision. She described the process as long and challenging but expressed relief that justice had been served.
Kebirungyi also commended Senior State Attorney Julie Nanjjuju for her efforts in prosecuting the case.
The conviction marks a significant development in a case that has drawn attention in Kabale and Rukungiri political circles. Sentencing will determine the penalties the former aspirant will face under Ugandan law.
