Prosecutors Seek Recusal of Balondemu’s defense Lawyer as bail referred
The Buganda Road Court in Kampala has referred the bail application of Mr. David Balondemu, the Chairperson of the Kampala District Land Board and a city lawyer, returning him to Luzira prison. He is facing allegations of forgery in investigations led by Brig Henry Isoke State House Anti Corruption Unit (SH-ACU).
The prosecution team, led by Viola Tusingwire, has requested one of Balondemu’s defense lawyers, Robert Bautu, to recuse himself from the case due to his potential role as a prosecution witness.
During a recent court appearance, Balondemu faced three charges, including conspiring with a doctor from Mulago National Referral Hospital to commit forgery. The prosecutors sought an adjournment of the proceedings, citing a lack of access to the police file necessary for a response to Balondemu’s bail application. Tusingwire emphasized the need for Bautu to step aside from representing Balondemu, highlighting his status as a state witness in the case.
Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi addressed Bautu directly, inquiring about his involvement in making a statement to the police. Bautu denied providing a statement and expressed readiness to recuse himself if evidence surfaced linking him to the prosecution’s witness list. Sources revealed that other lawyers present during the submission of allegedly forged documents are also expected to testify for the state, including Ivan Kyazze, Caleb Alaka, and Grade One Magistrate Winnie Nankya Jatiko.
Balondemu, who has been held at Luzira Prison for six days, remains in custody until October 23rd, 2024. The prosecution’s case alleges that Balondemu and Dr. Hassan Ssegujja collaborated with unidentified individuals to produce false medical documents in 2023 at Kampala Hospital. These documents include a fabricated prescription form and a CT scan report, leading to the current forgery charges.
This legal turmoil adds to Balondemu’s previous troubles, including allegations of defrauding a Korean investor and falsely claiming medical treatment to secure bail. In response to claims of undergoing surgery at Kampala Hospital, investigations revealed the medical letters submitted were deemed fraudulent by the hospital’s CEO, Dr. Peter Kibuuka, resulting in additional forgery charges against Balondemu.
With Dr. Ssegujja still evading arrest, the court proceedings underscore the complexity of the forgery case and the intertwining legal challenges faced by Balondemu. As the trial unfolds, the need for transparency and accountability in the judicial process remains paramount to ensure justice is served.
