The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Lino Anguzu, has withdrawn all charges of defilement and aggravated trafficking in children that had been filed against socialite Nasser Nduhukire, popularly known as Don Nasser.

The withdrawal was formally presented on Tuesday before the International Crimes Division of the High Court in Kampala.

Chief State Attorney Joseph Kyomuhendo submitted a notice to Justice Andrew Bashaija, stating that the DPP had lost interest in prosecuting the case.

Nduhukire had been jointly charged alongside Promise Ateete with counts of aggravated trafficking in children and defilement.

Prosecutors alleged that between May 3 and May 27, 2024, the pair recruited, received, transported, or harboured a 16-year-old girl through fraudulent means, abuse of power, or exploitation of vulnerability, with the intent of sexual exploitation.

The offences were said to have occurred at locations including Acacia Avenue, Tagore Living Apartments along Kayunga Road in Kampala, and Kito Zone in Kira Municipality, Wakiso District.

Nduhukire faced an additional charge of defiling the minor, whom prosecutors claimed Ateete had procured.

The State further alleged he used toxic substances, including cocaine, to lure the victim into sexual activities on some occasions.

He was committed to the High Court by Buganda Road Chief Magistrates Court in November 2024 following completion of investigations, as presented by Senior State Attorney Ivan Kyazze and Chief State Attorney Kyomuhendo.

Nduhukire previously claimed he was tortured after his arrest in Kenya and rendition to Uganda.

He sought dismissal of the charges on grounds of human rights violations, but the application was rejected.

During proceedings, Ateete’s charges were withdrawn earlier, leaving Nduhukire as the sole accused.

Although Nduhukire was not present in court for the withdrawal, his lawyer Evans Ochieng attended and raised no objection.

Justice Bashaija ordered the refund of the three million Shillings bail money Nduhukire had deposited.

The case closure brings an end to a high-profile prosecution that had drawn significant public attention since Nduhukire’s arrest and extradition in mid-2024.