The troubles for infamous Kampala lawyer David Balondemu have deepened as he now faces a warrant for his arrest after failing to appear in court on two separate occasions.
The Buganda Road Magistrate Court issued the arrest warrant following his absence on May 21 and June 14, 2024.
The embattled lawyer, known for his involvement in high-profile legal battles, is currently wanted by law enforcement authorities.
His evasion follows serious charges of forgery and fraud, with accusations centering on the falsification of documents to secure his bail from Luzira prison last year.
Balondemu, whose legal practice has been marred by controversy, stands accused of defrauding KG Unlimited LLC, an American company, of UGX 2.2 billion.
The fraudulent activities allegedly involved a falsified procurement process for a water plant by the Ministry of Agriculture. The funds were purportedly funneled through accounts associated with M/s Bloom Advocates, a firm believed to be operated by Balondemu through proxies.
The legal saga took a significant turn when medical documents, presented during a bail application hearing on November 20, 2023, were found to be falsified. These documents claimed that Balondemu had a scheduled surgery, justifying his need for bail. Investigations by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU) revealed the documents were forged.
Despite intensive investigations and a fresh set of criminal summons, Balondemu did not appear before the court as required. His no-shows prompted the Buganda Road Magistrate Court to issue a warrant for his arrest on June 14, 2024. Balondemu has been in hiding, evading arrest.
Carrying a position of Kampala Land Board Chairperson, Balondemu has since abandoned office eluding arrest.
The latest development adds to Balondemu’s already complicated legal scenario, raising questions about his willingness to confront the allegations head-on. The court’s decision to issue an arrest warrant underscores the seriousness of the charges and Balondemu’s evasive actions.
Authorities are now intensifying their efforts to locate and apprehend the lawyer. The warrant marks a critical escalation in the case, with law enforcement agencies expected to employ all available resources to ensure Balondemu’s appearance in court.
Recently State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU) released a list indicating that the notorious lawyer is facing 8 new charges associated with defrauding investors.
LIST
Defrauding of a Turkish Company, Guner Kuzu Construction Limited of USD 3,806,885 (about UGX 14BN), in a purported procurement for construction of hospitals in Uganda.
Defrauding of Air Options Pty Ltd, a South African Company of USD 1.7M (about UGX 6.3BN), in a purported procurement for supply, installation and maintenance of air conditioners by Ministry of Local Government.
Defrauding of Tecmo Automation Pty Ltd, a South African Company of USD 410,520 (about UGX 1.5BN), in a purported procurement for supply of fuel and lubricants at Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development.
Defrauding of Marce’ Firefighting Technology Pty, a South African Company of USD 60,000 (about UGX 225M).
Fraudulent conversion of property comprised in Plot 20 Prince Charles Drive using a forged Minute No. KDLB.53/6.4/2022.
Fraudulent allocation of non-existent land purportedly comprised in LRV 4645 Folio 13, Plot 1-5, Kyambogo Link to a Kenyan Company, Babubhai Construction Limited. On 12th October, 2023, an invoice of UGX 450,000,000 by M/s Bloom Advocates, signed by Balondemu, was issued to the company. The allocation was issued by Kampala District Land Board, which he chairs.
Defrauding of a Korean National, Kim Uk Hyun of USD 600,000 (about Ugx 2.2Bn) in a purported 53kgs Gold deal involving law firms, M/s Balondemu & Co. Advocates
Defrauding of USD 1.7M (about Ugx 6.3Bn) from Air Options Pty Ltd, a South African company involving a law firm, M/s Balon Advocates was reported to the Unit.