By Ben Musanje
A Kampala-based textile trader has accused Kalungu East Member of Parliament-elect Yusuf Junior Kiruuta Nkeretanyi of masterminding the theft of curtain materials worth Shs3.7 billion from his home and business premises.
The businessman, Hajji Sulaiman Lwabuuka Kasule, alleges that the scheme involved his wife, Shamira Nakachwa, and several close associates.
Nkeretanyi is jointly charged with six others, including Nakachwa, over offences of theft and handling stolen property. Other accused persons include Ivan Zziwa, John Tamale, and the complainant’s brother-in-law, Hamza Mugumya.
The group is appearing before the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court, where Lwabuuka has been testifying.
During his second appearance in court, Lwabuuka said that Nkeretanyi frequently visited his home and developed a close relationship with his wife, which he believes was later exploited to carry out the thefts. He told court that they would switch off CCTV cameras, open the store, and steal bales of cloth.
He further stated that the operation was coordinated, with his wife allegedly disabling the surveillance system to avoid detection. His daughter, Hilda Mbabazi, supported this account, telling court that her mother would remain in the master bedroom—where the CCTV control system was located—disable the cameras, and pass store keys to Nkeretanyi through her.
Lwabuuka added that his wife would give their daughter the keys to deliver to Nkeretanyi so that he could access the store.
Court heard that some of the stolen materials were later recovered from Nkeretanyi’s shop in Kampala and have since been presented as exhibits, leading to an additional charge of handling stolen property.
During cross-examination, Nkeretanyi asked Lwabuuka whether he had any personal grudge against him, suggesting that the case might be driven by personal differences rather than criminal conduct.
In response, Lwabuuka said he did not harbour any grudge and maintained that his actions were motivated by a desire for justice and recovery of his property. He added that some individuals had previously asked whether Nkeretanyi could compensate him so that the matter could be resolved.
Nkeretanyi also questioned the basis of the accusations, arguing that Lwabuuka had no direct evidence linking him to the alleged theft. He suggested that since the complainant claimed his wife and brother-in-law supplied the property, they would be the ones in a better position to accuse him.
However, Lwabuuka maintained that access granted through his wife enabled the alleged theft. He stated that when his wife had the keys, she would remain behind with the cameras while giving access to the store, which he alleged Nkeretanyi used.
Nkeretanyi further suggested that the dispute could be rooted in personal relationships, but Lwabuuka rejected this and instead accused him of contributing to the breakdown of his marriage. He said his wife had expressed a desire to return, but he insisted that she should first return the stolen property.
The businessman also told court that he had entrusted his wife with full authority over household and business operations, an arrangement he now believes was exploited.
He additionally expressed concerns for his safety, alleging that he was previously attacked and stabbed by his wife’s aunt, an incident he said was reported to police.
Despite the allegations, Nkeretanyi and his co-accused have denied all charges.
The trial is ongoing, with more witnesses expected. Chief Magistrate Ritah Neube Kidasa adjourned the case to May 11 for further hearing. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
