Ugandan Officials Face Fraud Charges in $950,000 Compensation Scheme
KAMPALA, Uganda – A former top trade official and five others appeared in court this week facing multiple charges related to the alleged fraudulent diversion of 3.8 billion Ugandan Shillings (approximately $950,000 USD) in a compensation scheme intended for cooperative societies. The case highlights growing concerns over public fund management and accountability within the Ugandan government.
Geraldine Ssali, former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, is accused of abuse of office, causing financial loss to the government, conspiracy to defraud, and money laundering. She appeared alongside Members of Parliament Michael Mawanda (Busiro East), Ignatius Mudimi Wamakuyu (Elgon), Paul Akamba (Busiki County), lawyer Julius Taitankoko Kirya, and Principal Cooperative Officer Leonard Kavundira before the Anti-Corruption Court on February 5th. All have pleaded not guilty.
The charges stem from payments made to Kirya and Company Advocates, purportedly as compensation for war losses to the Buyaka Growers Cooperative Society. Prosecutors allege Ssali improperly added the cooperative to a list of beneficiaries during the 2021/22 and 2022/23 financial years, despite the funds not being included in the approved supplementary budget. This, they claim, violated Treasury Instructions of 2017.
“This case is significant because it involves high-ranking officials and raises questions about the oversight of funds allocated for post-conflict recovery and support for agricultural cooperatives,” explains Dr. Sarah Nkonge, a political analyst at Makerere University. “Corruption in these areas directly impacts the livelihoods of vulnerable communities.”
The court appearance, presided over by Grade One Magistrate Paul Mujuni, was adjourned due to the absence of the Assistant Registrar and rescheduled for April 15th. Bail conditions for all accused were extended.
The trial faces potential further delays due to a constitutional application filed by MP Paul Akamba, who alleges his rights were violated during his arrest and prosecution. The Constitutional Court’s ruling on this matter will likely determine when the full trial can proceed.
This case arrives at a time when Uganda is under increasing pressure to address corruption. Transparency International’s 2023 Corruption Perception Index ranks Uganda 150th out of 180 countries, indicating a significant level of perceived corruption. The government has pledged to strengthen anti-corruption measures, but critics argue that progress remains slow.
The involvement of legislators in the alleged scheme has fueled public debate. Social media platforms are buzzing with commentary, with the hashtag #UgandaCorruption trending on X (formerly Twitter). [Insert relevant X/Twitter embed here if available].
Watchdog Uganda, which initially reported on the case, continues to monitor developments. The outcome of this trial will likely have far-reaching implications for public trust and the ongoing fight against corruption in Uganda.