Uganda authorises charges over 849-hectare land transfer tied to Garuga estate

Company records at the centre of a Ugandan estate dispute allegedly listed deceased people as directors while adding a new director. Now prosecutors have authorised criminal charges against three people over dealings involving businesses linked to the late James Musinguzi Garuga, including a disputed transfer of about 849 hectares of land, according to Nile Post Uganda (direct).

The Director of Public Prosecutions approved charges against Agaba Maguru, Henry Hapa Nganwa and Byaruhanga Charles after a police investigation. A charge sheet dated August 12, 2026, sets out allegations of fraudulent transfer of title—the legal record of property ownership—false statements by company officials and conspiracy to defraud. The allegations have not been proven, and the suspects are presumed innocent unless convicted in court.

Land and company control

The property at the heart of the case covers approximately 2,097 acres at Bulemezi Ngoma in Nakaseke District. It is registered to Incafex Limited, a company associated with Garuga’s business interests. Prosecutors allege that the transfer lacked a valid board resolution or other lawful company approval. They also allege it breached an existing Supreme Court injunction, a court order restricting action. The land dispute therefore involves both ownership records and the authority to act for the company.

The prosecution also alleges that company records were altered through Company Form 20 filings and purported special resolutions, documents presented as formal company decisions. According to the allegations, Maguru was recorded as a director alongside the late Garuga and other deceased individuals. Prosecutors further allege that Maguru and Hapa helped prepare and circulate purported resolutions concerning Garuga Properties Limited and Incafex with the aim of deceiving and defrauding shareholders.

Registry ruling preceded charges

The criminal proceedings follow a challenge to control of the same businesses. In July 2026, the Uganda Registration Services Bureau ordered the removal of filings appointing Maguru as a director of Garuga Properties, Kinkizi Development Company and Incafex. Shareholder Mathew Rukikaire had challenged the appointments, arguing that the resolutions and filings lacked lawful authorisation. Assistant Registrar of Companies Daniel Nasasira found that the disputed resolutions and related Form 20 filings for Kinkizi Development and Incafex had been wrongfully obtained and ordered their removal. His ruling also addressed the disputed Garuga Properties appointment.

The disputed resolutions and related filings for Kinkizi Development and Incafex had been wrongfully obtained, the companies registrar ruled, according to Nile Post Uganda.

Garuga died on August 6, 2025. His business interests included all three companies, and Garuga Properties holds a majority stake in both Kinkizi Development and Incafex. That ownership structure connects the disputes over directorships to control of the businesses holding assets associated with his estate. Family members and other interested parties have also raised competing concerns about how the estate and its companies are being managed.

The inquiry is not finished. Prosecutors have directed police to continue examining allegations involving cattle theft, company funds, compensation payments involving government agencies and other property transactions. Those matters have not yet resulted in charges. Investigators have also been told to obtain an estate inventory from the Administrator General, review company banking records and trace people connected to other disputed land dealings. Those checks could broaden the case and clarify the status and movement of assets linked to Garuga’s estate.