MUKONO – The Mukono Court’s Chief Magistrate, Her Worship Juliet Hatanga has on Tuesday, June 18, suspended hearing Mr Ponsiano Lwakataka’s case.
Mr Lwakataka, a famous rally driver together with his brother Mr. Deo Kizito and their lawyer Counsel Samuel Otyetule infuriated the Judge who has been handling their case.
This was during a court session at Mukono Chief Magistrates Court where Mr. Lwakataka and Mr. Kizito sued their auntie Ms. Goretti Nanonzi plus their cousin Mr. Kato Richard Kiggundu and Mr. George William Kawooya.
They were collectively accused to have bought part of a piece of land which they claim to be theirs. The land is found in Goma division in Mukono Municipality.
During the session, Lwakataka’s lawyer Counsel Samuel Otyetule raised his plea asking for a change of a magistrate because according to them Magistrate Hatanga was compromised.
This is because they believe that the Chief Magistrate, Hatanga is related to Mr. Kawooya who bought part of the land being contested for.
They alleged she is using the media to tarnish Mr. Lwakataka’s name,
This annoyed the Magistrate which led her to recall incidents in her life where Mr. Lwakataka had attacked her.
She said that Mr. Lwakataka physically attacked her in a supermarket while she was shopping during her free time.
“This is too much, to the extent of threatening my life outside working hours.” Magistrate Hatanga retorted.
She denied the allegations saying that she is a Muteso and she can never be related to Mr. Kawooya who is a Muganda.
This compelled her to recommend that the two should find a new magistrate who will listen to their case.
“With that said, you should get yourselves a new magistrate to hear your case.” She added.
It is not the first time Lwakataka is accusing people in the case. He also accused his own lawyers like Sselwanga his first lawyer on the case but now he is using Samuel Otyetule.
Mr. Richard Kiggundu says “The magistrate chased us and said she won’t be handling our case. She told us to get another magistrate to hear our case.”
He, however, expressed his joy saying the magistrate quitting the case has not discouraged them but rather strengthened their resolve.
“This only gives us courage because if you sue someone and at the same time you accuse the magistrate to be taking sides, shows you have a weak case and makes us stay on a safe side.” He said.
The 2 acres that have embroiled Mr Lwakataka belonged to his late uncle Mr. Antonio Kiggundu. After his death his wife Ms. Goretti Nanonzi and his children decided to sell part of the land 1 acre to Mr. Kawooya.
