Eight senior officials from the Ministry of Finance have been charged and remanded to Luzira prison in connection with the alleged digital theft of Shs60 billion from the Bank of Uganda.
The accused officials include Accountant General Lawrence Ssemakula, acting director of Treasury Services and Asset Management Jennifer Muhuruzi, and senior IT officer Tonny Yawe.
Others are: Paul Nkalubo Lumala , a systems IT officer, Deborah Dorothy Kusiima , a senior accountant in the Treasury Services Department, Ms Judith Ashaba , an accountant, Bettina Nayebare. Research assistant and Mr Mark Kasiiku , an IT systems officer.
The group faces 11 counts, including five corruption charges, two counts of causing financial loss, one count of abuse of office, two counts of electronic fraud, and one count of money laundering. However, due to the money laundering charge, the group was not allowed to plead to the charges, as this offense is only triable in the High Court.
Chief Magistrate Rachael Nakyazze informed the suspects that they will take their plea before the trial judge, as she lacks jurisdiction over the case. The prosecution, led by Richard Birivubuka, requested an adjournment, citing ongoing investigations.
Defense lawyer Maxim Mutabingwa asked the court to grant bail to suspects not facing money laundering charges, arguing that their constitutional rights were at stake. However, Ms. Nakyazze ruled that the High Court has jurisdiction over the case, and the suspects will be committed to the High Court for trial.
The prosecution alleges that Ssemakula and Muhuruzi neglected to put in place effective systems to safeguard public funds, resulting in a financial loss of USD 6,525,858.2 to the government. Yawe is accused of manipulating payment instruction files, causing a financial loss of USD 6,134,137.75 to the Government of Uganda.
The case has been adjourned for mention on February 17, and criminal summons have been issued against Pedson Twesigomwe, an assistant commissioner who failed to appear in court.
