Basajja's brother joins sh20b tax fraud case

By Edward Anyoli

The brother of city businessman Hassan Basajjabalaba has been charged with conspiracy and uttering false document arising from the sh20b tax disputes.

Muzamiru Basajjabalaba was yesterday charged at the Anti-Corruption Court and released on cash bail of sh40m. His sureties; Dr. Kassim Ssekabira, Nasser Basajjabalaba and Dominic Byarugaba are to execute a court bond of sh2b.

In a related development, the court stopped a city lawyer, Allan Mulindwa, from pursing a case against Hassan Basajjabalaba.

Mulindwa had previously instituted a private prosecution against the city businessman.

Anti-Corruption Court Chief Magistrate Irene Akankwasa said since the matter has been taken over by the Director of Public Prosecution, there is no need for the private prosecution.

It is alleged that the two brothers between 2010 and 2011 in Kampala district, conspired to prevent or defeat the execution or enforcement of tax in respect of taxes amounting to sh20b arising from a compensation award by the Government to Haba Group Uganda Ltd.

Basajjabalaba and his brother denied the charges.

Hassan Basajjabalaba is facing a separate charge of forging a court judgment purporting that his sh142b compensation by the Government not be taxed, whereas the award was subject to the tax laws of Uganda.

The prosecution said inquiries are complete and the case has been fixed for hearing on March 6.