The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has withdrawn charges against John Bagunywa Ssebutinde, the husband of Judge Julia Sebutinde, and Joseph Wamala over alleged disobedience of an order stopping construction works in Bugolobi, Kampala.
The two were accused of continuing construction at Plot 8, Princess Anne Drive, despite an order stopping the works.
Senior Principal Grade One Magistrate Nicholas Aisu of City Hall Court approved the withdrawal after the DPP took over the case and ordered further investigations.
The charges had been privately brought by Ssebidde Arthur Mpiima under the Building Control Act.
Senior State Attorney Timothy Amerit told court that the DPP took over the case on July 7, 2026 and reviewed the evidence on the file.
He said the evidence was not sufficient to support further prosecution at this stage and that the matter required comprehensive, independent and impartial investigations.
The DPP has directed police to investigate the allegations and submit a report before a decision is made on whether to prosecute.
The court also cancelled arrest warrants that had earlier been issued against Ssebutinde and Wamala.
The case is linked to a dispute over the construction of a multi-storeyed apartment building on Princess Anne Drive.
Some neighbouring residents have challenged the development, arguing that it does not fit the residential nature of the area. They have also raised concerns about privacy, environmental effects and the value of neighbouring properties.
