Kalungu East Member of Parliament-elect Yusuf Kiruuta Nkeretanyi on Friday appeared before Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court in Kampala to answer charges related to a multi-billion-shilling theft case, court documents and prosecution submissions reveal.
Mr Nkeretanyi, 32, who was declared winner of the Kalungu East parliamentary seat in the recently concluded January 2026 elections, was charged alongside three other suspects over the alleged theft and handling of stolen curtain materials valued at Shs3,776,802,650.
Prosecution led by Senior State Attorney Allan Muchuguzi told Chief Magistrate Ritah Neube Kidasa that Mr Nkeretanyi was the main recipient of assorted curtain materials stolen from premises belonging to a Kampala-based businessman, Hajj Sulaiman Lwabuuka Kasule.
Court heard that between 2018 and 2022, stolen curtain rolls, cushion fabrics and related materials were allegedly removed from the trader’s residence and business outlets in Kampala District and Kajjansi, Wakiso District, with the assistance of two co-accused who worked within the complainant’s household.
According to the prosecution, the stolen goods were transported in a series of vehicles to shops in Kampala’s central business district where they were allegedly handed over to Mr Nkeretanyi, who is said to have sold the items.
In addition to the theft charges, Mr Nkeretanyi faces a separate count of receiving stolen property, contrary to Section 294(1) of the Penal Code Act, for allegedly retaining at least 12 rolls of curtain material at Eagle Plaza, knowing or having reason to believe they were stolen.
Other accused persons Hamza Mugumya and Shamira Nakachwa Mulika are jointly charged with theft and conspiracy to commit a felony, while Zziwa Ivan and Tamale John face separate counts of receiving stolen goods.
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All the accused denied the charges and were released on bail pending the continuation of the trial. Magistrate Kidasa adjourned the matter to a later date, noting that additional prosecution witnesses are expected to testify.
Mr Nkeretanyi’s court appearance comes at a politically sensitive time for the Kalungu East seat, which he clinched after defeating the incumbent National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate, former Agriculture Minister Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempijja.
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