RUKUNGIRI-The High Court in Kabale has dismissed a civil suit filed by Rukungiri Woman MP aspirant Hon. Mary Paula Turyahikayo Kebirungi and her husband, Godfrey Turyahikayo Rweihunga, against their former political assistant and current Rukungiri District Chairperson hopeful, Angello Twinomuhangi Bagorogoza.
The case, Civil Suit No. 20 of 2022, revolved around a contested land transaction involving UGX 440 million.
The plaintiffs alleged that they had transferred the funds to Twinomuhangi for the purchase of land along the Kabale-Kisoro road, which later became the center of a legal dispute.
The suit was heard on June 17 before Justice Ssemogerere Karoli Lwanga at the Kabale High Court.
The courtroom drew a large audience, including legal representatives and political observers, as the case involved high-profile individuals with political ambitions in Rukungiri District.Representing the plaintiffs was Counsel Allan Tumwesigye, while Twinomuhangi was defended by Counsels Justus Muhangi and Patience Nasiima.
In his ruling, Justice Ssemogerere dismissed the case without prejudice, meaning the plaintiffs can still pursue a new case on similar grounds.
Notably, no legal costs were awarded to either party. The judge advised the plaintiffs to consider filing a fresh case specifically focused on the recovery of funds, rather than land ownership issues.
The ruling came as a disappointment to Hon. Mary Paula and her husband, who had hoped the court would compel Twinomuhangi to return the land allegedly acquired with their money. Both declined to comment on the judgment when approached by the media.
Speaking after the ruling, Angello Twinomuhangi welcomed the court’s decision, calling it a “landmark victory” and maintaining that the allegations were politically motivated.
“These cases were fueled by political friction since I defected from their camp in 2021 to support Hon. Naboth Namanya,” he said, referencing the current Rubabo County MP.
The dismissal of the case may add momentum to Twinomuhangi’s campaign for the Rukungiri District Chairperson seat, as he seeks to distance himself from what he described as politically engineered legal battles.
