Written By | Staff Writer
The magistrate cited Magala’s diabetic condition, age, status as a first-time offender and family responsibilities as factors that warranted a non-custodial sentence.
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LUWEERO
The Luweero Chief Magistrate’s Court has handed social media personality Magala Balikyewunya, popularly known as Mzee Magala, a non-custodial sentence after convicting him of attempted murder in a case arising from a 2022 land dispute. On Thursday, November 12, 2026, Grade One Magistrate Esther Adikini ordered Magala to pay a fine of Shs3 million and Shs30 million in compensation to the victim.
The magistrate cited Magala’s diabetic condition, age, status as a first-time offender and family responsibilities as factors that warranted a non-custodial sentence.
The case stems from an incident on April 13, 2022, at Christopher and David Farm in Kanyale Village, Nakaseke District, where the farm manager, Andrew Akandwanaho, was shot during a confrontation linked to a land dispute.
Akandwanaho sustained serious injuries and, according to the court, continues to experience difficulty walking more than four years after the incident. He was also left with a permanent disability.
Court heard that although Magala did not personally fire the bullet that injured the complainant, his actions contributed to the violence that resulted in the injuries.
Magala, 50, had been on remand at Butuntumula Government Prison since November 5, 2026.
Under the sentencing terms, he is required to pay an initial Shs10 million, covering the fine and part of the compensation, before he can be released. The outstanding compensation must be paid within one year.
The court warned that failure to comply with the payment conditions could result in Magala serving up to three years in prison. Mzee Magala is a Luweero-based content creator known for discussing Buganda's history, traditions and culture.
