Anti-graft judge offers plea bargain to Geraldine Ssali and MPs

KAMPALA | Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga of the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court Tuesday dangled Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanism to former Trade ministry accounting officer, Geraldine Ssali, and three MPs facing a raft of corruption-related charges.

Ms Ssali, along with MPs Michael Mawanda, Wamakuyu Mudimi, and Paul Akamba, were appearing before the court to be formally charged and Judge Kajuga urged them to consider a plea bargain.

"I would like to remind the accused that the Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanism of plea bargain is available," Justice Kajuga said.

"After reviewing the evidence against them, if they wish to negotiate, they shouldn't hesitate to approach the State or the Director of Public Prosecutions for this quick and cost-free resolution method."

The Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanism is the new hot cake the Judiciary has tied to the gavel, delicately caressing it for parties in legal disputes to save the court's time and ease case backlog.

But the suspects, who also include city lawyer Julius Kirya Taitankoko; and senior cooperatives officer Leonard Kavundira, are determined to shake the dock - they pleaded not guilty.

The charges, which encompass nine counts related to the misappropriation of funds, allege that the accused diverted billions of shillings earmarked for compensating victims of past conflicts.

The trial is set to begin in November 2024, with the accused currently on remand as they seek bail.

These arrests follow an extensive investigation by the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) after reports surfaced of irregularities in the compensation process for war loss victims.

The funds, part of a government initiative to provide reparations to those who suffered losses during various conflicts in Uganda, were allegedly diverted into private accounts by the accused.

The scandal intensified when Geraldine Ssali Busuulwa was dismissed from her role as Permanent Secretary shortly after her arrest.

Ms Ssali, who had held a key position at the Ministry of Trade, was removed as the investigation into the fund misappropriation escalated.

Her dismissal was viewed as a government effort to distance itself from the scandal and demonstrate a firm stance against corruption.

This case has sent shockwaves through Uganda's political and legal spheres, given the high-profile nature of the accused.

The involvement of sitting MPs has further deepened the scandal, raising serious concerns about corruption and accountability within the government.

The misappropriated funds were reportedly intended to compensate thousands of Ugandans who lost property and livelihoods during the country’s various insurgencies over the decades.

Instead, these funds were allegedly siphoned off for personal gain, leaving many victims without the promised reparations.

The investigation was initiated after whistleblowers within the government raised alarms about the management of the compensation funds.

The Inspectorate of Government, in collaboration with other anti-corruption agencies, launched a probe that eventually led to the arrest of the six accused.

The case has since become emblematic of the broader fight against corruption in Uganda, with the public demanding justice and accountability.

The defense has sought bail for MPs Michael Mawanda and Paul Akamba, as well as City Lawyer Kirya.

However, Justice Kajuga deferred the ruling on their bail applications to Friday, August 30.

As the state prepares for the trial, the court has ordered the prosecution to complete evidence disclosure to the defense team.

This step is vital to ensuring that the accused have full access to the evidence against them, enabling a fair trial.

The case has attracted significant public interest, with many closely following the proceedings.

If convicted, the accused could face severe penalties for their alleged roles in the misappropriation of public funds.

The upcoming trial is expected to reveal further details of the accusations and the extent of the alleged corruption.

For now, the six accused remain in custody, awaiting the court's decision on their bail applications as they prepare for what promises to be a closely watched trial.