Francis Kaahwa, a 72-year-old Buliisa tycoon, was arraigned before the Buliisa Chief Magistrate’s Court on Friday. The charges against him include making a false declaration, three counts of forgery, and two counts of uttering a false document.
Kaahwa was apprehended by detectives from the State House Anti-Corruption Unit on Thursday. His arrest and subsequent prosecution were initiated by State Minister for Lands, Dr. Sam Mayanja, who accused Kaahwa of illegally titling approximately 1,700 acres of land.
According to State Prosecutor Stephen Asaba, Kaahwa is alleged to have made a false statement on October 18, 2006, in an application to the Masindi Land Board, claiming to be the customary owner of 500 acres of land in Buliisa District. This statement was purportedly made with the intent to defraud.
Additionally, on January 16, 2006, Kaahwa is accused of creating and using false documents, including an application to the Masindi District Land Board and a sale agreement. He allegedly presented these false documents to both the Masindi District Land Board and the State House Anti-Corruption Unit.
On May 14, 2024, at the State House Anti-Corruption Unit in Kampala, Kaahwa is said to have knowingly presented a false document to D/Sgt Daniel Dongo Wako. This document purportedly represented a sale agreement between Kaahwa and Seremonth Gafabusa for 500 acres of land in Itutwe Village, Kihungya Parish, Biiso Sub-County, Buliisa District.
Kaahwa has pleaded not guilty to all charges and has applied for bail on health grounds through his lawyer, Daniel Omara. However, Magistrate Aggrey Atamba has remanded Kaahwa to Masindi government prison until August 20, when his bail application will be considered.
