Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Uganda Monitor
Published on 2024-03-12 18:46:19
The Bugiri District officials accused of causing a financial loss of over Shs1.2 billion are facing a tough legal battle as the state has lined up 92 witnesses to testify against them. The accused individuals include Mr Ezaruku Kazimiro, Mr Mustapher Nyende, Mr Abdallah Waiswa, Ms Minsa Atoire, Mr Fred Bazibu, Mr Henry Kabulo, Mr Haruna Kamba, Mr Paul Moses Isiko, Mr Fred Ikaaba, and Mr Muhamed Kyondha.
The group was arraigned before the Anti-Corruption Court, where they denied three counts of causing financial loss and one count of abetment to the offense. Prosecutors from the Inspectorate of Government, led by Ms Sylvia Nabirye and Mr Earnest Katwesigye, informed the court that the inquiries in the matter are complete, and they are ready for a hearing. They requested that the session be held in Bugiri as most of the witnesses are based there.
The first count of causing financial loss alleges that Mr Kazimiro, Mr Nyende, and Mr Waiswa irregularly initiated, validated, and approved payment of fictitious salary arrears amounting to Shs 552,174,162, causing a loss to the government. The second count accuses the same individuals of causing a financial loss of Shs 524,651,297, while the third count alleges a loss of Shs 185,887,962.
In the fourth count, Mr Kabulo, Mr Kamba, Mr Isiko, Mr Ikaaba, and Mr Kyondha are charged with abetting the irregular payment of fictitious salary arrears amounting to Shs 1,262,713,421. The group applied for bail through their lawyers but were remanded until March 14 for the hearing.
The arrests of the 10 suspects were made following complaints from teachers about delayed salary payments. A verification exercise revealed that over Shs 1.2 billion was stolen from the salary payroll. The court records indicate that individuals who were supposed to receive around Shs 2 million were mistakenly deposited with Sh 20 million and then asked to return the excess amount.
The case against the Bugiri District officials is a significant one, with multiple witnesses and serious allegations of causing financial loss. The legal proceedings will shed more light on the extent of the corruption and mismanagement within the district government. It is crucial for justice to be served and for those responsible for the financial loss to be held accountable for their actions.
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