news 26 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Kampala Deputy Lord Mayor Accused of Orchestrating Suspects' Court Escape
Kampala's Deputy Lord Mayor, Faridah Nakabuugo, is facing serious allegations of disrupting court proceedings to facilitate the forceful release of dozens of female suspects. The incident allegedly occurred after a joint police and KCCA enforcement operation led to numerous arrests. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/kampala-deputy-lord-mayor-accused-of-mobilising-hooligans-to-free-suspects-from-court-5510436
The Chief Registrar of the Judiciary has received a petition from Senior Principal Magistrate Nicholas Aisu, accusing Kampala Deputy Lord Mayor Faridah Nakabuugo of orchestrating the removal of female suspects from court custody.
The allegations stem from an incident on June 25, 2026, following a large-scale arrest operation by police and KCCA enforcement. A considerable number of suspects, particularly adult females, were brought before the City Hall Court.
To manage the overwhelming number of detainees, court administrators had temporarily separated approximately 93 female suspects into a KCCA meeting room while male suspects were processed. However, Magistrate Aisu alleges that just as the female suspects were about to appear in court to enter their pleas, Ms. Nakabuugo intervened.
According to the petition, the Deputy Lord Mayor, allegedly accompanied by “hooligans” she mobilized, forcefully freed the awaiting suspects. This action is reported to have severely disrupted court proceedings, preventing pleas from being taken in numerous cases scheduled for that day.
Magistrate Aisu described the event as an “unprecedented breach” and a “disturbing incident” that has stunned court officials and stakeholders. He has formally petitioned the Chief Registrar for guidance and to prevent future occurrences of such interference with the administration of justice.
If proven, these accusations could lead to significant legal consequences related to obstruction of justice and the unlawful handling of individuals in judicial custody. When approached for comment, Ms. Nakabuugo questioned the source of the letter and had not provided a formal response by the time of publication.