KAMPALA, Uganda — Four suspects were formally charged Friday with attempting to defraud Stanbic Bank of 725 million shillings ($190,000), according to court documents. The accused denied the allegations, and a chief magistrate set a bail hearing for Nov. 20.
The suspects — Joel Mucunguzi, Elizabeth Mbabazi, Faridah Kobusingye and Flower Njawuzi (also known as Florence, Mega or Kanywani) — appeared before Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi at Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court. They face seven counts, including forgery, uttering false documents, personation, attempted theft and conspiracy to commit a felony.
According to the charge sheet, the alleged offenses occurred Oct. 3, 2025, at Stanbic Bank’s Acacia Mall branch in Kampala.
Prosecutors allege the group forged a bank withdrawal receipt with serial number AA 2419722, purportedly bearing the signature of Enid Kukunda. Mbabazi is accused of impersonating Kukunda.
The state further contends the group forged and presented a falsified National Identity Card in Kukunda’s name, allegedly issued by the National Identification and Registration Authority.
Mbabazi faces an additional count of personation for allegedly presenting herself as the holder of Stanbic Bank Account Number 9030017562788 in an attempt to unlawfully withdraw the 725 million shillings.
After the pleas were entered, defense lawyers Davis Guma and Sadat Baale applied for bail for Mucunguzi and Kobusingye, arguing they had substantial sureties and would comply with all bail terms.
State Prosecutor Joan Keko requested a short adjournment to complete inquiries and verify the documents supporting the bail application.
Kayizzi granted the state additional time while reaffirming the accused’s constitutional right to apply for bail. The case was adjourned to Nov. 20 for mention and for the state to formally respond to the bail application.
