By Our Reporter – Masaka
Legal tension continues to mount around Lwengo District Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Mr. Lujumwa Nathan, after the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Masaka issued fresh criminal summons directing him to appear in court on June 26, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. to respond to charges linked to the alleged concealment of a public record, a violation under Section 45(b) of the Access to Information Act, Cap. 95.
The case, now registered as Criminal Case No. MSK-00-CR-CO-0377-2025 was reignited by Volunteer Uganda Extra Limited (VUEL), a civil society organization known for championing transparency, anti-corruption, and the rule of law.
The summons, dated May 27, 2025, follows the organization’s persistence in holding Mr. Lujumwa accountable for what it terms as a “deliberate obstruction of lawful access to public information.”
According to court filings, the charges stem from allegations that Mr. Lujumwa refused to release a document requested under the Access to Information Act, even after all formal requirements, including payment and proper documentation, were fulfilled.
VUEL submitted a bundle of evidence, including a sworn complaint, supporting affidavits, an official letter to the CAO, the original request form, and a UGX 20,000 receipt for document processing.
Courtroom Confusion and Procedural Wrangles
This fresh summons follows a series of courtroom twists that have cast a spotlight on procedural irregularities in the case.
In a previous appearance on May 22, 2025, VUEL’s legal team raised alarm over what it called “serious procedural red flags” when an unfamiliar State Attorney, acting without coordination, appeared in court and sought to reassert control over the matter.
The confusion was further heightened when a Grade One Magistrate, not the Chief Magistrate who had been handling the case since inception, presided over the session.
VUEL’s lawyers argue this substitution was not only irregular but also legally questionable, given the sensitive nature of the private prosecution.
“This case involves criminal charges under a special statute and was initiated through private prosecution. The law is clear, only a Chief Magistrate can handle such a matter,” the legal team stated.
VUEL also expressed concern that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who had previously taken over the matter in April through State Attorney Caroline, was being misrepresented or bypassed in court.
“The case cannot be lawfully taken over twice. It must proceed based on the already established court record,” the complainant warned.
A Pattern of Defiance
This is not the first time Mr. Lujumwa has been summoned.
He failed to appear on April 14, 2025, under Criminal Case No. 271 of 2025, prompting the court to issue a stern warning and a second appearance date of April 22.
That summons ended with the directive: “Herein fail not.” His continued absence has sparked speculation about deliberate evasion and possible attempts to reframe the case as a civil matter, a move the complainant views as a ploy to derail criminal accountability.
“There is an obvious pattern of delay and avoidance, but we remain resolute,” VUEL’s legal representatives stated.
“This is not just about one document, it is about defending Ugandans’ constitutional right to access public information.”
A Precedent in the Making
As legal observers, human rights watchdogs, and civil society groups monitor developments, many view this case as a litmus test for the enforcement of Uganda’s Access to Information Act.
Questions are being raised about judicial independence, the DPP’s internal coordination, and whether public officials can be held accountable through citizen-led prosecutions.
Volunteer Uganda Extra Limited, based in Lwengo with operations in Masaka, has built a strong reputation for grassroots mobilization, anti-corruption advocacy, and human rights work.
The organization was recently recognized by the Lwengo District Local Government, receiving a Certificate of Appreciation signed by District Chairperson Ibrahim Kitatta Almalik and Speaker Hon. Ssenozi Peregrino — a move that adds further legitimacy to its efforts.
Looking Ahead
As June 26 draws near, all eyes will be on Masaka’s Chief Magistrate’s Court.
VUEL insists that further delays must not be tolerated and that the judiciary must assert its authority in the face of what it sees as defiance by a senior public officer.
Should Mr. Lujumwa fail to appear again, he could face additional legal sanctions, including possible arrest.
“If public officials can hide public records with impunity, then transparency dies. This case is not just about Lwengo. It’s about Uganda’s future,” said one of the lawyers.
