Legal proceedings involving Lwengo District Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. Lujumwa Nathan, have intensified following the issuance of fresh criminal summons by the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Masaka.
The summons directs Mr. Lujumwa to appear on June 26, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. to respond to charges related to the alleged concealment of a public record, an offence under Section 45(b) of the Access to Information Act, Cap. 95.
The renewed case, recorded as Criminal Case No. MSK-00-CR-CO-0377-2025, was initiated by Volunteer Uganda Extra Limited (VUEL), a civil society organization committed to promoting transparency, anti-corruption measures, and the rule of law.
The summons, dated May 27, 2025, follows persistent efforts by VUEL to hold Mr. Lujumwa accountable for what the organization describes as deliberate obstruction of lawful access to public information.
Court documents indicate that the charges arose from allegations that Mr. Lujumwa refused to release a requested document despite the requester having fulfilled all formal requirements, including payment of UGX 20,000 and submission of the necessary documentation.
VUEL submitted a comprehensive bundle of evidence to the court, which includes a sworn complaint, supporting affidavits, official correspondence addressed to the CAO, the original request form, and a payment receipt.
This latest development follows a series of procedural controversies in the case. During a court session on May 22, 2025, VUEL’s legal team raised concerns over the appearance of an unfamiliar State Attorney acting without apparent coordination, as well as the substitution of the Chief Magistrate by a Grade One Magistrate.
VUEL’s lawyers maintain that the handling of this matter by anyone other than the Chief Magistrate is irregular, given the nature of the charges and the private prosecution framework.
Furthermore, VUEL expressed unease over apparent inconsistencies regarding the involvement of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), noting that the case had previously been taken over by the DPP through State Attorney Caroline in April.
The complainants emphasize that the case cannot be lawfully assumed twice and insist it should continue on the basis of the established court record.
This is not the first summons issued to Mr. Lujumwa. He notably failed to appear in court on April 14, 2025, under a related criminal case, leading to a subsequent summons and stern warning for a second appearance on April 22.
His repeated absence has fueled suspicions of deliberate evasion and attempts to reclassify the criminal case as a civil matter, which VUEL views as an attempt to undermine efforts for criminal accountability.
VUEL’s legal representatives remain steadfast, asserting that the case transcends the dispute over a single document and touches on the broader constitutional right of Ugandans to access public information.
The organization’s stance highlights the significance of the case as a potential precedent for enforcing the Access to Information Act.
Observers from the legal and human rights communities are closely monitoring the proceedings, viewing the case as an important test of judicial independence, prosecutorial coordination, and the accountability of public officials through citizen-initiated prosecutions.
The document in question reportedly relates to NGO activities within Lwengo District, an area of increasing public interest.
Volunteer Uganda Extra Limited, headquartered in Lwengo with operational presence in Masaka, has established a strong reputation in grassroots mobilization, anti-corruption advocacy, and human rights work.
Recently, the organization received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Lwengo District Local Government, signed by District Chairperson Ibrahim Kitatta Almalik and Speaker Hon. Ssenozi Peregrino, underscoring its credibility.
As the next court date approaches, there is widespread anticipation that the judiciary will uphold its authority and ensure that public officers comply with the law.
Failure by Mr. Lujumwa to appear may lead to further legal consequences, including possible arrest.
The outcome of this case is expected to have far-reaching implications not only for Lwengo District but also for Uganda’s broader commitment to transparency and the constitutional right to information.
Legal analysts warn that unchecked concealment of public records by officials undermine public trust and a democratic process.
