Court spares Mzee Magala prison time, orders Shs 33M payout

What the report says

Popular Ugandan social media personality Mzee Magala, whose real name is Magala Balikyewunya, has avoided a custodial sentence after a court in Luweero imposed a non-custodial penalty on Thursday, November 12, according to Sqoop Uganda. The ruling relates to his attempted murder case arising from a 2022 shooting tied to a land dispute in Nakaseke District.

The court opted for leniency, citing Magala’s health condition, including diabetes, even though the offense carried a severe maximum punishment. Under the order, he is expected to be released from Butuntumula Government Prison after paying a Shs 3 million court fine and making an initial Shs 10 million payment toward compensation.

Sqoop Uganda reported that the court also ordered Shs 30 million to cover medical expenses for the shooting victim, farm manager Andrew Akandwanaho. Magala was given one year after release to settle the remaining balance, with the possibility of up to three years in prison if he fails to pay.

The judgment followed a tense week in which Magala had been remanded to prison since November 5 before the sentencing. The outlet also noted that his home in Luweero Town Council was reportedly damaged by a suspected arson attack while he was in custody, adding to public attention around the case.