Anti-Corruption Court Postpones Shs3.8b Ssali Case Awaiting Constitutional Ruling

The Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court in Kampala has adjourned the high-profile corruption trial involving former Ministry of Trade Permanent Secretary Geraldine Ssali and several co-accused to May 29, 2026. Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga made the ruling on April 17, awaiting a Constitutional Court decision on a petition by Busiki County MP Paul Akamba.

Akamba claims his arrest involved torture by security forces, violating his fundamental rights, and seeks dismissal of charges. Ssali faces charges alongside Igara East MP Michael Mawanda Muranga, Elgon County MP Ignatius Wamakuyu Mudiimi, lawyer Julius Taitankoko Kirya, and Principal Cooperative Officer Leonard Kavundira.

Prosecutors accuse them of abuse of office, conspiracy to defraud, causing financial loss, and money laundering over Shs3.8 billion meant for Buyaka Growers Cooperative Society. Ssali allegedly added the cooperative to a compensation list for war losses without approval and authorized payments to Kirya and Company Advocates against treasury rules.

The case also involves a conspiracy to defraud the government of Shs3.4 billion for cooperatives affected by the 1981-1986 liberation war and insurgencies. Previous hearings faced delays, including due to missing court officials, leading to bail extensions.

This stall underscores how constitutional challenges are increasingly impacting major corruption prosecutions in Uganda.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)