An Ethiopian national, Tigist Melkamu Ayalew, has been granted bail by the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court in connection with a fraud case involving Shs917 million. Ayalew faces charges that include conspiracy to commit felony, obtaining money by false pretences, and operating a private business without a valid permit.
Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi ruled that Ayalew had met the conditions for temporary release, citing her stable place of residence, credible sureties, and her obligations as the mother of three young children. Bail was set at Shs5 million in cash, while two sureties were bonded at Shs100 million non‑cash each. She was also ordered to surrender her passport and not leave Uganda without court permission.
Her legal team argued her constitutional right to bail and pointed out that she had consistently reported to police during the eight months she was under bond before being remanded. They also informed the court that the disputed Shs917 million is subject to a separate civil case in the High Court’s Commercial Division.
Prosecution opposed bail, contending that Ayalew was a flight risk and did not have valid immigration status. However, Magistrate Kayizzi dismissed these concerns, noting that there was no evidence she absconded while under bond and her passport was already held by authorities.
Ayalew is jointly charged with Bob Mwanjuzi and Lawrence Kalamu, two Ugandan lawyers who had earlier also been released on bail. The case is set for further hearing on October 8, 2025.