Buganda Road Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi has remanded John Kaddu, a 53-year-old businessman, to Luzira Prison on charges of defrauding Shs218 million from the Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet, Ms. Lucy Nakyobe.

Kaddu, who appeared before the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court on Friday 21st November,is accused of obtaining money by false pretence in a land deal that allegedly spanned seven years, from 2018 to 2025.

Prosecution states that Kaddu and two others identified as Mayambala and Juuko claimed they were selling 23 acres of land located in Lugazi, Buikwe District. Ms. Nakyobe reportedly paid Shs218 million for the property.

However, according to investigators, the land did not exist for sale, and the suspects allegedly made repeated excuses for failing to hand over the land title or grant her possession. When Ms. Nakyobe demanded a refund which Kaddu allegedly agreed to the money was never returned, and the suspects eventually cut off communication.

In her police statement, Ms. Nakyobe said she was first introduced to a man named Richard Bukenya in 2018. Bukenya, who had earlier assisted her with boundary opening on other land, reportedly told her that some people needed funds to survey land in Buikwe and had 20–23 acres available for sale.

It was through this introduction that she began dealing with Kaddu and his co-accused.

Kaddu denied the charges in court, telling Magistrate Kayizzi that he had been rushed from police cells and had not had enough time to contact his sureties for bail.

Prosecutor Ms. Grace Amy informed court that investigations are still ongoing and requested additional time for completion of inquiries.

Magistrate Kayizzi consequently remanded Kaddu until December 15, when his bail application will be heard.

The matter has attracted heightened public attention due to the involvement of Ms. Nakyobe, one of the country’s most senior government officials.