The Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court has granted bail to seven people accused of seizing the Kaazi National Camping and Scouts Centre in Busabala, Wakiso District.
Grade One Magistrate Patience Lorna Tukundane set bail at Shs5 million for each suspect and bonded their sureties at Shs10 million. Furthermore, the group must return to court on September 8 when their trial begins.
The suspects, who looked of age, denied all charges. Their lawyers argued that most of them are advanced in age, while others face health problems. In addition, they submitted medical documents to support the request for bail.
Prosecutor Henry Twinomujuni did not oppose bail. However, he asked the court to set strict conditions. “The accused are old people, but we pray that court sets stringent bail terms to ensure attendance,” he said. He also confirmed that investigations had reached completion.
The accused include:
- Patrick Barugahare Mujuni, 70, retired teacher from Bushenyi District
- Stephen Butumbwire, 70, unemployed, resident of Kansanga, Kampala
- John Mugisha, 85, retired medical educationist from Ntungamo
- Stephen Brain Musoke, 64, retired teacher from Masaka City
- Alex Mununuzi, 32, teacher from Iganga District
- Michael Richard Orwanga, 58, farmer from Amuria District
- Francis Anyango, 59, self-employed from Kalaki District
The seven face five charges: forcible entry, forcible detainer, unlawful occupation of land, malicious damage to property, and conspiracy to commit a felony.
Prosecutors allege that on June 24, 2025, the group acted under a splinter faction called the “Boys Scouts Association.” They reportedly mobilised a crowd, entered the Kaazi–Busabala site, and graded the land. Moreover, they allegedly destroyed property including kitchen houses, latrine structures, water tanks, pipes, a watchtower, and an arena platform. They also cut down historic trees and confiscated Scouts’ property.
The disputed land sits on LRV 1693 Folio 5, Kyadondo Block 273 Plot 5. The Uganda Scouts Association maintains that it is the official home of the National Scouts Camping Centre.
The takeover forced intervention on August 18, 2025. The State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU), supported by security agencies, restored order and handed the centre back to the Uganda Scouts Association. SH-ACU explained that the association, recognised by the Ministry of Education and Sports, petitioned government after reporting illegal land sales, mortgaged vehicles, and destruction of the century-old forest reserve at Kaazi.
“The Kaazi Scouts Centre is not just property; it is a national heritage site,” SH-ACU said in a statement. “Government remains committed to protecting such institutions and ensuring accountability for acts of destruction.”
Investigations continue, and several other suspects remain at large.
