Two Kampala-based lawyers have been remanded to Luzira Prison over the alleged theft of Shs700 million said to have been fraudulently siphoned from a Belgian national’s bank account in a case that has sent shockwaves through the legal fraternity.
Muhindo Patience Audrey, 29, and Kasingye Stuart, 35, were remanded last week by the Makindye Magistrate’s Court after they were formally charged with theft and conspiracy to commit a felony.
According to charge sheets referenced under CPS KLA CRB 1008/2025 and sanctioned on February 19, 2026, the duo faces two counts: theft contrary to Sections 236 and 237 of the Penal Code Act, and conspiracy to commit a felony contrary to Section 363 of the same Act.
Muhindo, described in court documents as a lawyer and resident of Sonde Hill View Estate in Mukono Municipality, and Kasingye, an advocate residing in Namugongo Jjanda in Kira Municipality.
Alleged Shs700m Transfer
Prosecution alleges that on November 23, 2024, at Muyenga in Kampala District, the two lawyers, together with others still at large, stole Shs700,000,000 belonging to Rukia Kawere Mbawadde.
Court documents indicate that the funds were transferred through an Absa Bank Uganda transaction from the account of Schelf Hout Joris, a 67-year-old Belgian national and oil and gas consultant, into an account allegedly linked to Muhindo.
Investigators claim the suspicious transaction triggered a broader criminal inquiry registered under KMP/GEF/136/2025. Detectives reportedly began tracing the movement of funds after a complaint was lodged, culminating in the arrest and subsequent arraignment of the two advocates.
Arrest, Threats and Flight
The case file contains explosive allegations surrounding events that followed the alleged heist.
According to a report by the Professional Standards Unit (PSU) of the Uganda Police Force, on February 13, 2025, Muhindo—accompanied by unidentified security operatives—allegedly caused the arrest of Schelf Hout Joris at a Muyenga bar on accusations related to homosexuality.
He was reportedly detained at Muyenga Police Station.
Court documents further state that upon his release, Schelf Hout Joris was allegedly threatened by the same police officers and lawyers and warned to leave Uganda or face severe legal consequences over the allegations against him. Homosexuality is criminalised under Ugandan law.
Investigators believe the threats compelled the Belgian consultant to flee the country. He reportedly stayed away for months before returning after being persuaded by his partner, Rukia Kawere Mbawadde, to formally lodge complaints with relevant authorities.
It was upon his return and the filing of formal complaints that the investigation reportedly gained momentum, eventually leading to criminal charges against the two lawyers.
Court Proceedings
During their appearance before Makindye Magistrate’s Court, the charges were read out to the accused. They denied any wrongdoing.
Given the nature of the charges, which include a felony offence, the magistrate remanded them to Luzira Prison pending further proceedings. Theft involving such sums falls outside the jurisdiction of the magistrate’s court to try conclusively, meaning the case may ultimately be committed to the High Court.
The duo is expected back in court on Friday, February 27, 2026, as investigations continue.
Legal Fraternity on Edge
The remand of two practicing advocates over allegations of orchestrating a multi-million shilling bank transfer has stirred debate within Kampala’s legal circles, particularly given the gravity of the accusations and the alleged involvement of security operatives.
If convicted, the offences carry heavy penalties under the Penal Code Act.
Meanwhile, investigators say inquiries are ongoing to apprehend other suspects believed to have participated in the alleged conspiracy.
For now, Muhindo and Kasingye remain behind bars at Luzira as they await their next court appearance in a case that continues to unfold with dramatic twists.
