Sheila Shemererw

Dube Sempata Dragged Into Explosive Kasanje Land War as Court Upholds Shs23m Judgment Celebrated Ugandan actor and playwright Andrew Benon Kibuuka, popularly known as Dube Sempata, has found himself caught in the middle of a bitter land dispute that has exploded into a full-blown courtroom drama involving millions of shillings. The land saga centres on a piece of land in Kasanje, Wakiso District, now at the heart of a legal battle between two women — Sheila Shemererwa and Sarah Kagonyera — with Kibuuka’s name firmly woven into the controversy. According to court records, Shemererwa paid money to Kagonyera to purchase the land. However, the deal quickly fell apart when vacant possession was never handed over, triggering a chain of lawsuits that ultimately dragged the veteran actor into the fray. Kibuuka, who is the registered owner of the land, played a critical role in the transaction. After the sale collapsed, he reportedly allowed the same land title to be pledged as security — a move that further complicated an already messy situation. Frustrated and demanding her money back, Shemererwa dragged both Kagonyera and Kibuuka to the Chief Magistrate’s Court at Mengo, seeking a refund of her cash. In her defence, Kagonyera admitted partial liability, claiming she had already paid Shs7 million and that only Shs8 million remained outstanding. But when the case came up for hearing, drama unfolded. Kagonyera and her lawyers failed to show up in court. With no explanation offered, the magistrate proceeded in their absence and delivered an ex parte judgment, awarding Shemererwa Shs23 million, plus interest and legal costs. Kagonyera then failed to appeal the decision within the mandatory 30-day window. Months later, she attempted a comeback, asking court to overturn the judgment. She argued that the land agreements used as evidence had been “extinguished” and accused Shemererwa of trying to benefit twice from the same transaction. Shemererwa’s lawyers were having none of it, accusing Kagonyera of deliberate delays and abuse of court process. In a firm ruling, High Court judge Justice Isaac Teko dismissed Kagonyera’s application, stating that she had been properly served and could not feign ignorance. “Upon admitting that she filed a written statement of defence, the applicant is estopped from denying service,” Justice Teko ruled. The judge further held that the trial magistrate had correctly evaluated both land agreements and found no proof that Shemererwa had ever received a refund. In the end, the High Court upheld the Shs23 million decree, sealing Shemererwa’s courtroom victory and closing the door on Kagonyera’s last-ditch attempt to overturn the ruling. Justice Teko clarified that although Andrew Benon Kibuuka was not part of the appeal, he remains free to file a separate suit should he wish to reclaim his land title. For now, the celebrated actor remains entangled in a land saga that has transformed what began as a simple transaction into a costly and dramatic legal showdown — proof that land matters in Uganda rarely end quietly.

Celebrity Gossip

Dube Sempata in Hot Soup: Actor Andrew Benon Kibuuka Dragged to Court Over Kasanje Land Scandal

He has spent decades mastering the art of drama on stage, but celebrated playwright and actor Andrew Benon Kibuuka, is…

By Sean Musa Carter

January 28, 2026