Businesswoman charged over sh240m transaction seeks bail

_________________

A self-employed woman accused of laundering sh240 million in a transaction involving a kibanja on Kabaka’s land in Kirinda zone, Makindye-Ssabagabo, has applied for bail pending trial.

Sauya Kasisa Mutesi, 28, a self-employed resident of Bugu Zone, Busaabala, Makindye-Ssabagabo in Wakiso district, is charged with one count of money laundering contrary to Sections 3(c) and 13 of the Anti-Money Laundering Act.

Prosecutors allege that Mutesi was involved in laundering sh240 million arising from a transaction concerning a kibanja located on Kabaka’s land in Kirinda zone, Makindye-Ssabagabo.

Under Sections 3 and 13 of the Anti-Money Laundering Act, a person convicted of money laundering is liable to a maximum sentence of 15 years' imprisonment, a fine not exceeding sh2 billion, or both.

Mutesi, on June 1, 2026, applied for bail before the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court in Nakasero, presided over by Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga.

In her application, Mutesi stated that she has substantial sureties willing to stand for her and pledged not to abscond if released on bail. She further assured the court that she would abide by all bail conditions and attend trial whenever required.

The prosecution, led by senior state attorney Gertrude Nyipir from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), asked for more time to verify the document and the substantiality of the sureties.

Justice Kajuga granted the request up to June 4, 2026, to allow her to respond to the application.

Charges

Nyipir alleges that in April 2026, at Kirinda zone in Makindye-Ssabagabo, Wakiso district, Mutesi assisted her brother-in-law, Noah Tenywa, alias Victor, to benefit from the proceeds of crime.

According to the prosecution, Mutesi facilitated the transaction by allowing herself to be indicated as the purchaser on a kibanja sale agreement, despite allegedly knowing that the money used to acquire the land constituted proceeds of crime.