Lawyer Matovu charged in Shs7bn cooperatives corruption case

The Anti-Corruption has poured cold water on senior lawyer John Matovu's attempt to moonwalk his way out of a Shs7bn cooperatives union corruption case and ordered he takes plea.

Mr Matovu, appearing before the court only after threats of warrant of arrest was slapped on his head, had earlier protested his charge, saying it would be damaging for the legal profession if every lawyer was culpable of corruption for taking their cut from a deal.

However, Grade One Magistrate Albert Asiimwe could have none of it and told the accused that he was acting as though his hands were clean, an act he said threatened to drag the case.

The prosecution said Matovu had to be charged because he has severally  snubbed the court despite summonses.

The former president of Uganda Law Society Matovu had earlier managed to get the court to adjourn to deliberate on his protestation but on resumption, the Magistrate ordered him to the dock.

Matovu was charged with theft by being an agent and conspiracy to steal Shs4.55bn compensation for war loss to Busoga Growers Cooperative Union.

The court heard that he committed the offence between 2018 and 2023.

Mr Matovu denied the charges, saying he was being persecuted and turned into a scapegoat.

The lawyer had earlier told the court that he could take plea on charges that would cause economic implications to his 30-plus years of legal practice.

"I did my job well as a contracted lawyer," he said.

"I was asked to demand for compensation from government on behalf of Busoga Growers Cooperative Union, which i did. I got the money, deducted my share and forwarded the balance to my clients."

He said the issues arose from the money he has remitted not the one he has legally taken.

"How many lawyers will continue practicing if you set this precedence?" he asked.

"I have no case to answer. Maybe someone wants mr out of the profession and trapped me here over money he can get in a few days. I have a profession to protect, a career of over 30 years."

The fourth accused person in this case, lawyer Fred Makada, is still at large despite criminal sermons having been issued. State prayed for warrant of arrest.