TikToker Mzee Magala Balikyewunya has been released from custody after paying a fine of shillings 3 million,in addition to compensation in attempted murder case.
Magala, 50, a resident of Bunyaka Village in Luwero Sub-county, was convicted by Luwero Chief Magistrate Esther Adikini over the attempted murder of Andrew Akandwanaho in an incident that occurred on April 13, 2022, at Mijumwa Village in Wakyato Sub-county.
Court heard that the incident arose from a land dispute involving approximately five square miles, during which Magala hired surveyors and a security guard to open land boundaries despite protests from tenants.
During the confrontation, a security guard identified as Daniel Omara reportedly discharged a firearm, shooting Akandwanaho and leaving him critically injured. The victim has since been unable to walk normally and continues to rely on crutches.
Magala was arrested on November 5, 2026, and subsequently presented before Chief Magistrate Adikini, who convicted him of attempted murder. He was remanded to Butuntumula Government Prison pending sentencing.
During Thursday sentencing proceedings, Luwero State Attorney Racheal Kirabo told Court that Akandwanaho had sustained grievous injuries, including a broken leg, and that a deadly weapon had been used in the commission of the offence.
Kirabo urged court to impose an appropriate sentence, citing the prevalence of similar offences before the court.
Akandwanaho told court that the magistrate that he spent more than shillings 30 million on medical treatment and still required an unspecified amount of money to undergo surgery to remove bullet fragments lodged in his leg.
But through his lawyer, Christopher Baluku of RA Kasaija and Partners Limited, Magala pleaded for leniency, citing his diabetic condition, his responsibility as the family breadwinner, and the fact that he was a first-time offender.
His lawyer also Informed court that Magala’s house had recently been set ablaze under unclear circumstances.
The lawyer further argued that Magala was not the person who pulled the trigger, describing the shooting as an unfortunate incident resulting from the security guard’s alleged failure to act professionally despite being confronted during the land dispute.
Magala personally told the Magistrate that he was willing to compensate the victim with a reasonable amount, adding that negotiations with Akandwanaho had already commenced.
In her sentencing remarks, Chief Magistrate Adikini noted that attempted murder attracts a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. However, she said she had considered the pleadings by the defence, as well as the injuries and suffering endured by the victim.
The magistrate consequently ordered Magala to pay a fine of shillings 3 million and compensate Akandwanaho with shillings 30 million.
Court further directed Magala to pay shillings 13 million upfront before his release, with the remaining to be cleared within one year.
The magistrate warned that failure to pay the outstanding balance within the stipulated period would result in Magala’s arrest and being charged with defaulting on the court order.
Fellow TikTokers led by Shalom Kaweesi , Julius Sserwanja among others and Magala’s relatives mobilised funds immediately to facilitate his release.
Magala was later released after banking the fine and compensation to the victim before he was driven to his home located in Bunyaka village .
Meanwhile, on Sunday, while Magala was still on remand, his house in Bunyaka Village was reportedly set on fire, destroying property. His family members survived the incident unhurt.
Police are yet to arrest any suspects in connection with the suspected arson attack.
Magala thanked friends that secured his release and those that offered him more cash to help him recover from the incidents.
