Kampala — The Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has sanctioned charges against two individuals accused of causing a financial loss of Shs 20,660,585 to the Government of Uganda. The case is now before the Anti-Corruption Court.
According to court documents, Dorah Aryatuha, 46, a Principal Human Resource Officer at the Uganda Police headquarters in Naguru, and Francis Oyet, 44, a businessman from Nansana Municipality, are jointly facing charges under section 101(1) of the Penal Code Act and section 19(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act.
The prosecution alleges that between September 2020 and October 2023, while employed as a senior human resource officer, Aryatuha neglected her duties by failing to remove Oyet from the police payroll after he had resigned from the Uganda Police Force.
This failure allegedly enabled continued salary payments to Oyet, causing the government a financial loss of Shs 20,660,585.
In the second count, both accused are charged with causing financial loss contrary to section 19(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act.
The particulars indicate that their actions led to the irregular outflow of Shs 20,660,585 in salary payments to Oyet from government funds.
The charge sheet, signed by DPP Jane Frances Abodo and dated March 13, states that the accused persons knew or had reason to believe that their actions would cause financial loss to the government.
When the matter came up for hearing before the Anti-Corruption Court, Francis Oyet pleaded guilty to the charges.
His admission marks a significant turn in the proceedings and could influence the next steps in the trial.
Aryatuha, however, has maintained her innocence and is expected to stand trial as the prosecution presents its evidence.
The court is set to pronounce Oyet’s sentence on 21 August at 11 am, while Aryatuha’s case proceeds to full trial.
The offences carry heavy penalties, including imprisonment and disqualification from holding public office.
This case adds to a growing list of payroll-related fraud investigations within Uganda’s public service, highlighting persistent concerns over internal controls in salary processing and verification.to-publish package. Do you want me to do that?