By Abila Martha
The Anti-Corruption Court of Uganda is at the forefront of the nation’s battle against corruption, bringing to justice a myriad of individuals from various sectors implicated in corrupt practices. Press Patriot News Africa (@patriots.co.ug) presents a compilation of notable cases prosecuted or currently undergoing trial, showcasing the judiciary’s relentless pursuit of accountability and integrity.
Permanent Secretaries, including Geraldine Ssali who is currently under trial, John Kashaka who is serving time in Luzira Prison, and Christine Guwatudde who is under trial, are among the high-profile figures facing legal action.
Members of Parliament also face significant charges. Hon. Mawanda Michael Maranga of Igara East Constituency in Bushenyi District, Hon. Wamakuyu Ignatius Mudimi of Elgon County in Bulambuli District, Hon. Akamba Paul of Busiki County in Namutumba District, and Lawyer Kirya Julius of Kirya Company Advocates, among others still at large, have been charged with Diversion of Funds and Conspiracy to Defraud. They are accused of diverting over UGX 3.4 billion meant for war loss compensation to Buyaka Growers Cooperative Society for personal use.
Basoga Charles, Chairperson of Bugisu Cooperative Union, is alleged to have stolen UGX 4 billion and is currently under trial.
Educational institutions are not exempt from scrutiny. The Head Teacher of Kebisoni Integrated Primary School and seven PTA Executive Committee members in Rukungiri District face charges for levying charges on UPE pupils and sending away defaulters, despite UPE being a free service.
Local government officials from Namutumba District are also under trial. Three suspects are charged with theft of PDM funds from beneficiaries. Kawooya Abbey, the Chairperson of Namataba Namagunga PDM SACCO, is on trial for obtaining money by false pretenses. Three leaders of the Nakifuma PDM SACCO have been charged with Conspiracy to Defraud, replacing SACCO committee members with their relatives and misappropriating UGX 19 million. Town Clerk Nansikombi Winfred and Town Agent Male Joseph Nsereko of Ndejje Town Council face charges of Theft and Conspiracy to Defraud. Ntongo Hadijjah, the treasurer of Seeta Nazigo PDM SACCO, is charged with theft and altering beneficiaries’ details fraudulently.
District chairpersons are also implicated. Oyet Sisto Ocen, Chairperson LCV of Lamwo District, faces multiple charges including Obtaining Goods and Money by False Pretenses and Conspiracy to Defraud. Mande Idhube Baziriyo, LC3 Chairperson of Nangonde sub-county, is charged with theft involving fraudulent bank account activities. Former Amudat district LC5 Chairperson Francis Kiyonga Adamson has been sentenced to 23 months in jail and fined UGX 80 million for stealing and selling government vehicle spare parts.
Legal professionals are under the spotlight as well. Lawyer Kato Absolom of M/s KAAB Advocates faces charges of Electronic Fraud and Money Laundering involving USD 286,910 from Qatar investors. Leonard Kavundira, Principal Cooperatives Officer, is charged with Conspiracy to Defraud involving UGX 3.4 billion for war loss compensation.
Land management officials in Lira District, Ocen Joseph Alwong and Opio Francis, face charges of Abuse of Office and Conspiracy to Defraud involving the irregular issuance of a freehold land title. In Masaka, businessman Dungu Henry Matovu, ICT Officer Kireri John, and Land Surveyor Onyango Patrick are charged with 24 counts including forgery and fraudulent land procurement.
Miscellaneous cases also illustrate the breadth of corruption being addressed. Wamana Paul, a theatre assistant at Arua Hospital, is charged with corruption for soliciting bribes for surgical operations. Elyebu Richard, the Ag. District Education Officer of Kaberamaido, has been arrested for extortion and solicitation, charging UPE candidates UGX 15,000 each illegally.
These cases exemplify the Anti-Corruption Court’s dedication to combating corruption across various sectors, sending a clear message that malfeasance will be met with stringent legal consequences. The court’s efforts highlight the importance of integrity and accountability in public service, reinforcing the rule of law in Uganda.