Notorious Pallisa Man Remanded To Kamuge Prison Over Alleged Crop Destruction

 May 3, 2026   |    28 views

By Our Reporter I NgariamFocus.com 

PALLISA — The Chief Magistrate’s Court in Pallisa has remanded Opolot Mubarak to Kamuge Prison for two weeks over allegations of malicious damage to growing crops.

Arrest, Bond Cancellation, and Arraignment

Opolot, described as a known agent of Adowa Silver, was earlier detained at Pallisa Central Police Station on Thursday, April 30, 2026. His police bond was subsequently cancelled before he was presented in court for arraignment.

The prosecution, acting on instructions from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) through the Pallisa Resident State Attorney, sanctioned charges under Case File: Pallisa CRB 150/2026 — Malicious Damage to Growing Crops. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Allegations of Chemical Crop Destruction

The complainant, Adong Esther, a single mother, accuses Opolot of unlawfully entering farmland in Kalaki Village, Kalaki Parish, Kaucho Ward, Pallisa Town Council, and destroying her crops.

Adong had reportedly planted groundnuts, cassava, maize, and other food crops on land owned by Tukei Fred, her maternal cousin, with his consent.

Eyewitnesses allege that Opolot was seen sneaking onto the land and spraying the crops with chemicals, causing irreversible damage. Experts further warn that the chemicals used may have compromised the long-term fertility of the soil.

Pattern of Alleged Offences

Local residents claim this is not an isolated incident. Opolot has previously been linked to similar allegations involving the destruction of crops belonging to Tukei and his family.

Police records indicate an ongoing investigation under Case File SD 43/29/11/2022, in which Opolot is among suspects accused of damaging crops on the same land.

Family Land Dispute at the Centre

The case is deeply intertwined with a longstanding family land dispute involving the late Engineer George William Owaraga’s estate.

Tukei Fred, the landowner, is a son of the late Owaraga and his widow, Mrs. Betty Anne Apio Owaraga. Family sources state that the land in question was purchased by the couple and later partly gifted to Tukei during his father’s lifetime.

Adowa Silver, alleged by locals to be a half-brother to Tukei, is said to have also received land gifts from the late Owaraga, both in Kalaki and in Kampala. However, claims persist that he sold off portions of those properties.

Escalating Tensions and Legal Battles

Since the death of Eng. Owaraga in November 2020, multiple allegations have surfaced accusing Adowa of attempting to reclaim or control property previously distributed among family members.

Opolot is widely alleged to have acted as an enforcer in these disputes.

One of the most prominent cases is Civil Suit No. 18 of 2022 at the High Court in Mbale, where Norah Owaraga sued Adowa for alleged malicious damage to her orchard valued at over UGX 200 million.

Court records show that on May 4, 2023, a temporary injunction and restraining order were granted against Adowa. However, eyewitnesses claim the order has been disregarded, raising concerns of contempt of court.

Voices from the Complainants

Norah Owaraga welcomed the latest development, expressing confidence in the justice system.

“Based on my experiences with Opolot—accosting me, harassing me, and damaging my property allegedly under instructions—I am inclined to believe he is guilty,” she said.

She added: “Kudos to the Pallisa justice law and order sector—Police, ODPP, and the Magistrate’s Court—for restoring public confidence that no one is untouchable.”

Next Steps

Opolot remains on remand at Kamuge Prison as investigations continue. The case is expected to return to court after the two-week remand period for further mention or hearing.

Authorities have not ruled out additional arrests as inquiries into the wider dispute intensify.