A Luweero court has sentenced Buganda history storyteller Magala Balikyewunya, popularly known as Mzee Magala, to a Shs3 million fine instead of an immediate prison term in a case arising from a land dispute.
The court also ordered him to pay Shs30 million in compensation to the complainant. However, Magala faces three years in prison if he fails to pay the fine.
The sentence was delivered on November 12, 2026, with the court reportedly considering his health condition, particularly diabetes, before opting for a non-custodial sentence.
Frank Ntambi welcomed the court’s decision in a post on X, describing it as a relief to Magala’s family, friends and supporters.
“The Chief Magistrate has handed him a non-custodial sentence, taking into consideration his health condition, particularly his diabetes,” Ntambi wrote.
Mzee Magala remanded to prison on attempted murder charges as police probe
Magala had been on remand at Butuntumula Government Prison since November 5, 2026.
The case stems from a confrontation at Christopher and David Farm in Kanyale Village, Nakaseke District, on April 13, 2022. During the incident, a farm manager reportedly sustained gunshot injuries.
BREAKING: MZEE MAGALA IS FINALLY A FREEMAN!
— Wayne Frank Ntambi (@frankbalkazerg1) November 12, 2026
God is great, my people! Good news to Mzee Magala’s family, friends and well-wishers. The Chief Magistrate has handed him a non-custodial sentence, taking into consideration his health condition, particularly his diabetes, instead of… pic.twitter.com/7ZL5qrZSWU
