Ex-minister Isaac Musumba Handed 6-month Jail Term in Luzira over sh160m debt

Isaac Musumba addressing the media in the past

HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I A ruling in the Commercial Division of the High Court has been effected on the person of Isaac Musumba, which will see him spend up to six months at the Luzira Maximum Security prison.

The former state minister for Lands, Housing and Urban Development is accused of eluding security in the case of a debt amounting to sh160m, owed to his creditor, Charles Wakwale. This prompted his creditor to drag him to court in search of justice.

According to an order by Justice Patience Tumusiime Rubagumya, due to Musumba’s repeated failure to honor his payment commitments, he is to sleep in Luzira for six months.

The case ensued out of a loan taken by the ex-minister in 2023, where he promised to pay back in just four days. When he failed to raise the requisite amount, Musumba reportedly went underground to avoid being netted by the authorities.

Isaac Musumba addressing the media at the Uganda Media Center during his hey days

Court went ahead and issued several arrest warrants on his person, but he still remained elusive. His luck ran out on Wednesday when he showed up in court with bundles of cash amounting to sh10 million.

He begged for clemency and urged court to grant him an extension of 21 days within which to clear the balance.

Justice Rubagumya dismissed Musumba’s request, on the prompting of his lawyer, Dick Kisira, who argued that he would flee from justice, like has been the case in the past.

Musumba was eventually ordered to pay the outstanding debt of sh160m, or serve 6 months in prison

Amidst tight security Musumba was whisked away to Buganda Road Court cells and later to Luzira Prison. His lawyer expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling, saying he was going to appeal the verdict and enable his client to regain his freedom.

Musumba was born in Kamuli District, on 16 December 1961. He served as the elected member of parliament (MP) representing Buzaaya County, Kamuli District, from 1996 until 2011.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *