Eighth scouts' association leader charged, remanded over Kazi land

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David Muledhu, who identified him self as national executive secretary of Uganda Boys Scouts Association, was on Thursday arraigned before the Makindye Magistrate’s Court and charged with, among others, unlawful occupation of premises belonging to another plus malicious property damage.

Muledhu’s arraignment in court comes in the wake of his arrest by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU), working together with the Criminal Investigation Directorate (CID) and Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP).

SHACU media release on Thursday states that Muledhu now joins seven co-accused scout leaders: Patrick Buragahare Mujuni, Stephen Butumbwire, Mugisha John, Stephen Brian Musoke, Alex Mununuzi, Michael Richard Orwanga, and Francis Anyango, who were earlier charged in the same matter.

“On Thursday evening, SHACU, in collaboration with CID and ODPP, arraigned Muledhu before the Makindye Magistrate’s Court. He faces charges of unlawful occupation of land belonging to another, malicious damage to property, conspiracy to commit a felony, forcible detainer, and forcible entry,” the statement read.

The group is accused of violently taking over the National Camping and Scouts Centre at Kaazi–Busaabala, Masajja Division, Makindye Ssabagabo Municipality on June 24, 2025, disrupting operations of the Uganda Scouts Association and causing extensive damage to property.

Muledhu has been remanded until September 1, 2025.

The land is located in Kaazi-Busabala-Wakiso, and is owned by the Scouts movement in Kaazi, Uganda; however, the site is currently at risk of being taken by land grabbers.

In July last year, the scouts appealed to President Yoweri Museveni to protect this valuable property, which is vital for scouting activities in the region.

This was after they were blocked from accessing their historic Kazi grounds in Wakiso District, where they had planned to hold a national general assembly.

The group, comprising scouts and leaders from across the country, was allegedly turned away by security personnel stationed at the entrance despite presenting valid clearance documents from both the Uganda Police and the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF).

They then set up a temporary camp along the Kazi–Nakawuka Road, not far from the disputed site.

“We are deeply disappointed and confused. We followed all procedures and were cleared by the authorities, yet we were blocked from accessing our own grounds,” said Uganda Scouts Commissioner Jane Nyiramahoro.