Trade ministry's Kavundira remanded over Shs3.4bn coop fraud

Principal Cooperative Officer Leonard Kavundira of the Ministry of Trade has been remanded to Luzira prison after appearing before the Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala today, June 24.

Kavundira is accused of conspiring to defraud the Buyaka Growers Cooperative Society’s Shs 3.4 billion. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

"I deny all the charges against me," Kavundira told the court.

Due to the chief magistrate Joan Aciro's absence, Kavundira will be returned to court on July 9th, 2024, alongsidehis co accused including three Members of Parliament – Michael Mawanda, Paul Akamba, and Mudimi Wamakuyu – and lawyer Julius Kirya. These individuals were previously remanded on the same charges last week.

The Anti-Corruption court had issued summons against Kavundira last week after he skipped a previous court appearance.

He was subsequently arrested last Friday.

This case highlights Uganda's ongoing fight against corruption, particularly within government institutions.

The next hearing on July 9th will determine how the case against Kavundira and his co-accused proceeds.