Busia district boss remanded over fresh criminal charges

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Stephen Wasike Mugeni, the Busia district chairperson, has been remanded to prison for a second time, this time on charges of wrongful confinement and threatening violence.

The State House Anti-Corruption Unit, supported by the Uganda Police Force, arrested Mugeni at Busia Border Primary School. He was arraigned on May 21, 2025, before Grade One Magistrate Specioza Avako at the Busia Chief Magistrates’ Court.

Mugeni is accused of committing the offences on May 9, 2025, at the Busia district headquarters.

According to the prosecution, Mugeni allegedly forcefully demanded a government vehicle and its keys from the chief administrative officer (CAO), David Lubuuka. He is then said to have unlawfully confined Lubuuka inside the CAO’s office.



The charges further allege that Mugeni threatened to harm or assault Lubuuka, blocked the office doorway with a table to prevent his escape, and threatened to follow him home.

These actions were reportedly witnessed by the office attendant, two drivers, and other district officials. The alleged misconduct is said to have continued even after security personnel arrived on the scene.

Mugeni pleaded not guilty to the charges, which include wrongful confinement (contrary to Section 231 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 128) and threatening violence (contrary to Section 77(a) of the Penal Code Act, Cap 128).

Despite his plea, the court remanded him to Masafu Government Prison until June 16, 2026, for a hearing.

This marks the second time within a month that Mugeni has been remanded. He was previously charged with theft involving components of a public vehicle but was released on bail after appearing before the same court.