Two businesswomen remanded over sale of underweight cement

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The Standards, Utilities and Wildlife Court in Makindye has charged and remanded two businesswomen over the alleged sale of underweight and non-conforming cement.

Sharon Nabumati, 28, a businesswoman residing in Nkokonjeru, Northern Division in Mbale city, and Khainza Sandrah, 25, a businesswoman from Maluku ward in the Industrial Division of Mbale city, appeared before court to answer the charges.

According to the charge sheet presented before court, the duo was allegedly found in possession of underweight cement intended for sale, contrary to Sections 26(1), (2) and 44 of the Weights and Measures Act, Cap 84.

Prosecution alleges that Nabumati, Khainza and others, still at large, on October 8, 2025, at Matshan Enterprises on Kumi Road in Mbale city, were found in possession for sale of five bags of Tororo Cement, five bags of Simba Cement, five bags of Hima multi-purpose cement and five bags of Hima fundi cement, all of which were underweight.

The second count relates to being in possession for sale of non-conforming cement, contrary to Sections 23(1), (2) and 33(1)(a) of the Uganda National Bureau of Standards Act, Cap 210.

Court heard that on October 8, 2025, at Matshan Enterprises on Kumi Road in Mbale city, the accused and others still at large were found in possession for sale of five bags of Simba Cement, five bags of Tororo Cement, five bags of Hima multi-purpose cement and five bags of Hima fundi cement brands packed in tampered packaging materials, contrary to Clause 10.7(c) of USEAS 18-1:2017.

Prosecution further alleges that the accused persons destroyed evidence contrary to Section 89 of the Penal Code Act. It is stated that, knowing that 824 bags of cement in the brands of Hima, Tororo, Hima multi-purpose and Hima fundi were required as evidence in judicial proceedings, they removed them with the intent to prevent their use in evidence.

The state was represented by Dr Abdulsalam Waiswa, standing in for Judith Nyamwiza, while the accused were represented by Ronald Watete.

The accused persons pleaded not guilty to all the charges as read to them. The trial magistrate informed them of their right to apply for bail. However, the application was deferred due to time constraints.

As it was a busy day in court, their file was called at around 7:10 pm, and the court could not handle the bail application as it was past official working hours.

They were remanded to Luzira Prison until March 12, 2026, for the hearing of their bail application and prosecution witnesses.