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Stephen Wasike Mugeni leaves court to prison
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Busia, Uganda – May 14, 2025
Stephen Wasike Mugeni, the embattled Chairperson of Busia District Local Government (LCV), has been re-arrested and charged with wrongful confinement and threatening violence against the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), in a heated dispute over a government vehicle.
The arrest was carried out this afternoon by operatives from the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, working alongside the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). Mugeni was arraigned before the Chief Magistrates Court in Busia and remanded to prison until June 16, 2025.
Wasike Stephen Mugeni
The charges stem from a dramatic incident on May 9, 2025, at the Busia District headquarters. According to the prosecution, Mugeni, with blatant disregard for the law, wrongfully confined CAO Lubuuka David and threatened to physically assault him during a confrontation over a government vehicle.
The altercation reportedly occurred while Mugeni was forcefully demanding access to a Toyota Hilux double cabin, registration number UAK 827Z — property of the Busia District Local Government. The dispute escalated into threats and physical intimidation, prompting alarm among district staff.
In addition to the latest charges, Mugeni is also facing separate accusations related to the theft of vehicle parts, including an engine and gearbox, from the same government vehicle.
Wasike in court
Multiple witnesses who were present during the incident have since been interviewed by investigators, and their testimonies have played a pivotal role in building the case against the LCV Chairperson.
Authorities have condemned the incident, describing Mugeni's conduct as a gross abuse of office and a violation of public service ethics.
“This is not just a criminal matter — it undermines the integrity of public institutions. No one is above the law,” a spokesperson from the Anti-Corruption Unit said.
The State House Anti-Corruption Unit has vowed to pursue the matter to its full conclusion as part of its broader effort to promote accountability and curb impunity among public officials.
Mugeni will remain in custody as the case continues.
Torch Media Africa
