Written By |
Paulius Mugambe, 71, appeared before Muwanga II Court
Search
By Our Reporter
COURT - A Catholic Church counsellor has been remanded to Luzira Prison on charges of defrauding an elderly couple of UGX 150 million, falsely promising to facilitate their trip to the Vatican in Rome, Italy, to meet Pope Francis.
Paulius Mugambe, 71, appeared before Muwanga II Court last Thursday, with Chief Magistrate George Kunihira presiding over the case. Mugambe, a resident of Kabale-Busega Zone in Rubaga Division, Kampala, faces charges of theft, contrary to Section 237 (2) (e) and Section 244 of the Penal Code Act. If convicted, the offence attracts a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment. He, however, denied the charges.
The court heard that investigations into the matter are complete and the state is ready to prosecute the accused.
Allegations against Mugambe
Prosecution alleges that in April 2023, at Nabunya Zone in Rubaga Division, Kampala, Mugambe, with intent to defraud, stole UGX 150 million, property of Mande Wiro Kyambadde.
Francisca Kyambadde, 90, the wife of the complainant, stated that they trusted Mugambe because he was a devout Catholic and known as a church counsellor. She revealed that their farm in Bugerere, Kayunga District, situated along the River Nile, had been earmarked for the construction of a dam for electricity generation. The couple received UGX 350 million as compensation for the land.
When Mugambe learned of the payment, he reportedly suggested that the couple could travel to Rome and Fatima in Portugal. Fatima is renowned for the Sanctuary of Fátima, where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to three shepherd children in 1917.
Francisca alleges that Mugambe collected the money in installments. “We met Mugambe at Mapeera along Nabunya Road, and he proposed that we visit Rome and Fatima,” she recalled.
Court proceedings
Dressed in a blue coat and white striped shirt, the accused appeared downcast during the court session. Kyambadde’s elderly wife and grandchildren were present in court, but Kyambadde himself was absent due to being hospitalised after a fall last Sunday.
Bail denied
Mugambe’s bail application was denied by Magistrate Kunihira due to lack of sureties. Despite his pleas for release, the magistrate stated, “I cannot grant you bail without sureties.”
The accused was remanded to Luzira Prison until November 29, 2024, when his bail application will be heard.
