Prof Barnabas Nawangwe, the Makerere University Vice Chancellor in his communication on Thursday to Etuusa asked the 55-year-old deputy Academic Registrar in charge of Certificates, Ceremonies and Publications to immediately hand over all University property in her possession to the academic registrar, Alfred Namoah without fail.
“Having found that the matter you are required to defend yourself against before court of law is tantamount to a gross misconduct, you are hereby suspended from the Office of the deputy registrar of Makerere University in charge of Certificates, Ceremonies and Publications with immediate effect pending competition of criminal proceedings against you in the above mentioned court under Ref No. C0001-2018,” Prof Nawangwe’s letter states in part.
On May 31st 2017, Dr. Fredrick Tanga Odoi, the Chairperson Makerere University Convocation, a body for staff and Alumnus requested Uganda Police to Investigate into allegations of abuse of office in which Etuusa was largely involved.
Charles Mansio Twiine from the Criminal Investigations Department of the Uganda Police said in his January correspondence to the convocation chairperson that the directorate had submitted the case file to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions for evaluation of evidence after the investigations were done.
Upon perusal, the DPP accordingly sanctioned and consented to the charges of Abuse of office against Etuusa, charging her of Abuse of Office contrary to section 11(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act 2009 as Amended.
Etuusa accordingly appeared in the Anti-corruption court on Monday January 8, 2018.
In count one, prosecution led by Muhumuza Edward said that on the 15th day of February 2017 at Makerere University, Etuusa abused her authority and did an arbitrary act prejudicial to the interests of her employer (Makerere University) when she contravened the procurement laws, regulations and procedures by irregularly procuring Exxon Contractors Limited to provide phone keeping services during the 67th Graduation Ceremony.
The company reportedly fleeced parents and graduands under the guise of securing their mobile phones and other gadgets. The company charged Shs3, 000 for each gadget placed under its custody.
In count two, prosecution alleges that Etuusa still on the same day of February 15, 2017 illegally procured JAALC Uganda Limited to provide food/drinks vending services during the 67th Graduation Ceremony.
In count three, Etuusa is also accused of illegally procuring one Juliet Mirembe to provide food/drinks vending services during the same graduation ceremony.
While appearing before Grade One Magistrate Peter Fred Lachomin on Monday, Margaret Etuusa however denied the allegation, and was granted bail of Shs1 million cash with orders to deposit her passport and return to court on February 8, 2018.
Etuusa had returned to office last year following a High court order asking Makerere University management to reinstate her.
She had earlier been suspended in March last year on accusations of illegally hiring Exxon Contractors, a private company, to keep guests’ electronic during the 67the graduation ceremony.
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