Indian Couple Faces Charges for Alleged Illegal Construction in Kampala

An Indian couple has been brought before the Nakawa Magistrates Court on charges related to illegal construction activities within Kampala. Batul Tinwala Sabunwala, 36, and her husband Hakimuddin Sabunwala, 43, a businessman, allegedly deviated from approved building plans during their construction work.

The couple, who are residents of Bukasa, Muyenga in Makindye Division, appeared before Senior Principal Magistrate Sanula Nambozo on October 8, 2026. They entered a plea of not guilty to all charges levied against them.

Operating through their company, Mystique Developers Limited, the couple is accused of undertaking construction that did not adhere to the originally sanctioned architectural designs. This action is a violation of building regulations in the city.

Following their plea, the court granted the couple cash bail amounting to Shs20 million each. Additionally, their four sureties were each required to execute a non-cash bond of Shs10 million. This measure ensures that the accused will present themselves in court as required for future proceedings.

The charges come at a time when authorities are intensifying scrutiny over construction practices in Kampala, with recent government audits revealing low compliance rates with building by-laws and safety standards. Stricter enforcement of building laws is becoming a priority for the city’s development.