The Grade One Magistrate’s Court in Kamwenge District has declined to grant bail to Kitagwenda District Chairperson Ismail Mushemeza, who is facing multiple charges related to an alleged job recruitment scam.

Mushemeza was arrested in December 2025 in Kampala by officers attached to the State House Anti-Corruption Unit. Prosecutors allege that between 2024 and 2025, he defrauded several job seekers by falsely promising them employment opportunities in Kitagwenda District, despite there being no available vacancies.

According to the prosecution, the complainants allegedly paid sums ranging from Shs 5 million to Shs 15 million, either directly to Mushemeza or through intermediaries said to be acting on his behalf. The victims were reportedly issued with fake appointment letters and forged minutes purportedly from the District Service Commission.

On Tuesday, Mushemeza appeared before the Kamwenge Grade One Magistrate’s Court to seek bail. He is facing seven counts of obtaining money by false pretence.

While delivering his ruling, Grade One Magistrate Abdullswabul Seyiga declined to hear the bail application, explaining that the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Chief Magistrate’s Court. The magistrate noted that the Chief Magistrate is currently on leave, making it impossible to proceed with the bail hearing at this time.

The court subsequently adjourned the case to 5 February 2026, when Mushemeza is expected to return for further proceedings.

However, Mushemeza’s legal team expressed dissatisfaction with the delay. His lawyer, David Kamukama of Byamugisha Gabriel and Co-Advocates, faulted the court for scheduling the bail hearing while being aware of the Chief Magistrate’s absence, arguing that the delay could have been avoided.

Following the court’s decision, Mushemeza was further remanded to Kamwenge Prison, where he will remain in custody pending his next court appearance.

The case remains under investigation, and Mushemeza is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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