By Kabuye Ronald
The Grade One Magistrate at the Law Development Centre (LDC), Ivan Maloba, has dismissed journalist Mukose Arnold Anthony’s application seeking to have his criminal case thrown out on grounds of an incompetent charge sheet and lack of jurisdiction. However, the court directed the prosecution to amend the charge sheet to clearly specify the geographical area where the alleged offenses were committed.
Mukose had argued that the charge sheet failed to establish whether the LDC Court had the territorial jurisdiction to hear the case, contrary to Sections 35 and 36 of the Magistrates Courts Act, Cap. 19. His defense maintained that the omission rendered the charge sheet defective and the proceedings incompetent.
In his ruling, Magistrate Maloba acknowledged the constitutional and statutory requirements governing territorial jurisdiction. However, he held that, in the interest of the administration of justice, the court would exercise its discretion to allow the prosecution to amend the charge sheet rather than dismiss the case.
The magistrate noted that the current charge sheet does not clearly indicate whether the alleged offenses were committed within the geographical jurisdiction of the LDC Court, making an amendment necessary.
Mukose was charged on April 1, 2026, with allegedly broadcasting false information and sending false distress signals by claiming that First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni had died. He was arraigned in court after reportedly being held incommunicado for more than four days.
Speaking to the media after the ruling, Mukose’s lawyer, Kato Tumusiime, said the defense disagreed with the court’s decision but would respect the ruling and await the amended charge sheet before determining its next course of action.
The case was adjourned to August 24, 2026.
