DPP Approves Charges in Alleged Fraudulent Dealings with Late Garuga's Estate Assets

Criminal charges have been sanctioned by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) against Agaba Maguru, Henry Hapa Nganwa, and Byaruhanga Charles. These charges stem from investigations by the Uganda Police Force into alleged fraudulent activities concerning companies and assets of the late Dr. James Musinguzi Garuga.

The accusations include fraudulent transfer of title, making false statements by company officials, and conspiracy to defraud. At the heart of the case is an alleged illegal transfer of approximately 849 hectares of land in Nakaseke District, registered under Incafex Limited, a company associated with Dr. Garuga’s business interests.

Prosecutors contend that this land transfer was executed without proper corporate authorization and in defiance of a Supreme Court injunction. Furthermore, it is alleged that company records were manipulated, including the filing of false documents and purported special resolutions, which falsely listed Maguru as a director while including deceased individuals as current directors.

This criminal case follows an earlier corporate dispute where the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) ordered the removal of filings that had appointed Maguru as a director in several of Garuga’s companies. This decision was a result of challenges by a shareholder who argued the appointments were not lawfully authorized.

The DPP has also directed further investigations into other allegations, including the theft of cattle, embezzlement, compensation payment irregularities, and the fraudulent acquisition and disposal of estate property. These ongoing investigations aim to ascertain the status and movement of all assets related to the deceased businessman’s estate, adding a criminal dimension to an already complex dispute over control and ownership of assets.

Source: Nile Post