KAMPALA – Mr Dennis Budali the Electoral Commission Registrar of Kumi district has been charged with embezzlement and false accounting of about UGX 30 million.
Appearing before the chief magistrate Ms Pamella Lamunu at the Kololo based Anti-Corruption court, Mr Budali has been convicted upon his own plea of guilty to the two charges the Inspector General of Government (IGG)had slapped against him.
Mr Budali entered into a plea bargain with the Inspector General of Government and admitted that he embezzled the said money which he refunded on the assets and recovery account of the IGG which is in the Bank of Uganda.
In sentencing him, the magistrate has reasoned that even though Budali refunded the UGX 31.5 million that he stole and he has not wasted court’s time through undergoing a long trial, he must be punished for his prejudicial actions he did to his employer.
According to the release order signed by Ms Lamunu, she noted that whereas the convict (Budali) was sentenced on count one of embezzlement and false accounting to pay a fine UGX 3million on each or in default one year in prison, the fines run concurrently.
However, the trial magistrate did not make any order of refund since the said money has already been refunded.
After paying the fine of a total sum of UGX 3million with the evidence of a receipt, Mr Budali has been released.
Prosecution states that Dennis Budali between January and March 2011 at Stanbic Bank, Kamuli branch being employed in public service as an Electoral Commission Registrar, Kumi district stole UGX 31.5 million that was meant for facilitating the 2011 presidential and parliamentary general elections which money he had access to by virtue of his employment.
It is further stated that Mr Budali in the same months and year made fictitious payments and knowingly made false returns for UGX 31.5 million.
