State Attorney Sam Tusubira Remanded to Luzira Prison Over Alleged Shs 100 Million Bribe

Sam Tusubira, a 33-year-old state attorney employed by the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, has been remanded to Luzira prison on allegations of soliciting a Shs 100 million bribe in connection with a land dispute case.

Tusubira, who serves in the Attorney General's Chambers, was arrested by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit and arraigned before the Anti-Corruption Court on Tuesday, where he faced 16 counts of corruption.

The charges against Tusubira were sanctioned by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Jane Frances Abodo. Appearing before grade one magistrate Esther Asiimwe, Tusubira denied all the charges leveled against him.

Court documents reveal that Tusubira allegedly solicited the bribe from Ronald Yawe, a litigant who had filed a lawsuit against the Ministry of Lands and the Attorney General.

Yawe’s case involves the irregular cancellation of his land title, a matter he was pursuing in the High Court. It is alleged that Tusubira received Shs 43,660,000 of the requested amount as "facilitation" to obtain the Attorney General's consent in favor of Yawe.

The prosecution further asserts that Tusubira received multiple payments from Yawe between October 2023 and January 2024, promising to expedite the handling of the case. However, after receiving the money, Tusubira reportedly stopped responding to Yawe’s calls and failed to provide the promised assistance.

Tusubira’s arrest followed a formal complaint filed by Yawe with the Attorney General's Chambers, accusing the state attorney of taking the money without delivering the expected legal support or compensation.

Tusubira has been remanded to Luzira prison until August 19, 2024, when the court will hear the prosecution’s response to his bail application