Isaac Musumba, former State Minister for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, has been jailed after failing to settle a debt of over Shs 160 million.
The Commercial Court ordered Musumba’s imprisonment on Wednesday after several arrest warrants were issued against him.
The legal dispute dates back to 2023 when Musumba borrowed the money from Charles Wakwale, promising repayment within four days, a promise he failed to keep.
According to Wakwale’s lawyer, Dick Kisira, Musumba has been elusive and always claiming that he is out of the country.
He said his client Wakwale was forced to file a commercial suit against the former minister.
Justice Patience Tumusiime Rubagumya ruled in favour of Wakwale and directed Musumba to pay back the money he borrowed. Musumba was also ordered to pay the legal costs to Wakwale’s lawyers.
Musumba appeared in court after realizing that there were intentions to forcefully arrest him. In court, Musumba stated that he had brought Shs 10 million in cash and requested to be given a 21-day grace period to pay the remaining balance. However, Wakwale rejected this request, expressing concerns that Musumba might flee, as he had been elusive in the past.
Consequently, court sentenced Musumba to six months in prison. He can as a civil prisoner, however, secure his release upon payment of the full amount owed.
Since the Commercial court doesn’t have prison officers, Musumba had requested to drive himself to the nearby Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s court to board the ever-waiting Luzira prison bus.
However, the court objected and ordered the police at the court premises to escort him in Wakwale ‘s vehicle to avoid any possible chance of the minister escaping.
