In a surprising turn of events, one of city lawyer David Balondemu’s co-accused has not only pleaded guilty to forgery and conspiracy but has also testified that Balondemu defrauded him under the guise of offering protection from prosecution.
Hassan Ssegujja, who was jointly charged with Balondemu at the Buganda Road Chief Magistrates Court, this morning entered a plea bargain with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
He pleaded guilty to all charges and was subsequently convicted.
Each of the three counts carries a sentence of either two years in prison or a fine shs1.5 million.
But perhaps more damaging than the conviction itself was the testimony Ssegujja gave as part of the plea deal.
In his sworn statement, Ssegujja confessed to participating in a scheme orchestrated by Balondemu to forge medical documents to secure bail for Balondemu, who is facing serious charges related to defrauding an American company of over shs 2.2 billion.
However, what has shocked observers is Ssegujja’s revelation that he, too, was a victim of Balondemu’s fraudulent ways.
According to his testimony, Balondemu solicited over shs 10 million from him, claiming that he could use his influence to shield Ssegujja from arrest and prosecution by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU) and the ODPP.
Ssegujja said he handed over the money in good faith, believing Balondemu’s promises of protection were genuine.
It later became clear, however, that the city lawyer had simply used the names of investigators and prosecutors to manipulate and exploit his own associate.
This testimony contradicts Balondemu’s consistent narrative in the media, where he has frequently accused prosecutors and investigators of corruption and witch-hunting.
Now, his co-accused is painting a very different picture—one in which Balondemu appears to weaponize false promises and unsubstantiated allegations for personal gain.
Legal analysts suggest that Ssegujja’s guilty plea and cooperation with the state could bolster the prosecution’s case against Balondemu, who remains a prominent figure in Kampala’s legal and political circles, serving as Chairperson of the Kampala City Land Board.
The case continues to unfold, but one thing is becoming increasingly clear: Balondemu’s legal troubles may be deepened not just by the charges he faces, but by the testimonies of those he once called allies.
