Overview:
A woman and three others face seven counts, including personation and attempted theft, for allegedly trying to withdraw 725 million shillings from Stanbic Bank using forged documents.
KAMPALA, Uganda — Four people were formally charged Friday with attempting to steal 725 million shillings, equivalent to about $190,000, from Stanbic Bank. The suspects pleaded not guilty to the charges, and a magistrate set Nov. 20 for a bail hearing.
The accused — Joel Mucunguzi, Elizabeth Mbabazi, Faridah Kobusingye and Flower Njawuzi (also known by the aliases 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 took place Oct. 3, 2025, at Stanbic Bank’s Acacia Mall branch in Kampala.
Prosecutors allege the group forged a bank withdrawal receipt, purportedly bearing the signature of Enid Kukunda. Mbabazi is accused of impersonating Kukunda, the account holder. The state further contends the group forged and presented a falsified National Identity Card in Kukunda’s name.
Mbabazi faces a separate 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, defense lawyers Davis Guma and Sadat Baale applied for bail for Mucunguzi and Kobusingye, arguing they had substantial sureties and would comply with all court terms. State Prosecutor Joan Keko, however, requested a short adjournment to complete inquiries and verify the documents supporting the bail application.
Kayizzi granted the state additional time. The case was adjourned to Nov. 20 for mention and for the state to formally respond to the bail application.