Court to sentence former lands officer over Lira railway land fraud
“I find the prosecution has discharged its burden. I, therefore, find Ateng guilty and convict him on all the counts,” Nakyazze said.
In her judgment, Magistrate Nakyazze noted that the prosecution had proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted Ateng of committing the offences and accordingly convicted him.
KAMPALA - The Nakasero-based Anti-Corruption Court is expected to deliver its sentence today, November 24, 2025, in a case involving a former principal assistant secretary at the Lira Ministry of Lands Zonal Office, who was convicted in connection with Uganda Railways Corporation land in Lira district.
On November 10, 2025, chief magistrate Racheal Nakyazze, after hearing submissions from senior state attorney from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Viola Atusingwire and defence lawyer Evans Ochieng, stated that she would deliver the sentence today.
Francis Ateng was convicted on October 24, 2025, and his bail was cancelled as he awaits sentencing.
Atusingwire asked the court to impose a tough custodial sentence because the offence for which Ateng was convicted is grave.
She noted that the offences are grave, citing forgery, which under Section 342 of the Penal Code Act (as amended) attracts a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, abuse of office, which carries a maximum of seven years, and conspiracy to commit a felony, which also attracts seven years’ imprisonment.
However, Ateng’s lawyer, Evans Ochieng, asked the court to impose a fine instead of a custodial sentence, arguing that his client is a family man with several dependents who rely on him for survival.
Ochieng told court that Ateng had shown remorse and deeply regretted his actions, adding that a prison sentence would cause undue suffering to his family.
He further asked the court to consider Ateng’s co-operation during the trial and his clean record, saying these should be treated as mitigating factors in determining the appropriate sentence.
Tusingwire informed the court that Ateng facilitated the process of fraud by approving and uploading forged documents into the Uganda National Land Information System, leading to the fraudulent allocation of the land. The case was investigated by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit.
In her judgment, Magistrate Nakyazze noted that the prosecution had proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted Ateng of committing the offences and accordingly convicted him.
“I find the prosecution has discharged its burden. I, therefore, find Ateng guilty and convict him on all the counts,” Nakyazze said.
Nakyazze said after hearing submissions from both the prosecution and the defence, she will deliver her sentence on November 24, 2025.
She subsequently remanded Ateng to Luzira Prison.