Shs3.8 Billion Fraud Trial Against Ex-PS Geraldine Ssali Set to Resume

The long-stalled Shs3.8 billion fraud trial involving former Ministry of Trade Permanent Secretary Geraldine Ssali and five co-accused is finally set to resume. The case, which has faced numerous delays due to procedural disputes and constitutional challenges, is scheduled for mention before Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga.

The proceedings were significantly impacted by a constitutional matter concerning the alleged violation of human rights during the arrest and investigation of one of the co-accused, lawyer Paul Akamba. However, a recent landmark ruling by the Constitutional Court declared a section of the Human Rights Enforcement Act unconstitutional, stipulating that alleged rights violations during investigation do not automatically warrant acquittal.

This ruling has cleared a major impediment, allowing the Anti-Corruption Court to move forward with the trial. The prosecution alleges that Ms. Ssali abused her office by irregularly including Buyaka Growers Cooperative Society Limited in a list for compensation, despite it not being part of the approved supplementary budget. The state further claims she authorized payments of Shs3.8 billion to Kirya and Company Advocates, bypassing established financial procedures.

Co-defendants in the case include MPs Michael Mawanda Maranga and Ignatius Wamakuyu Mudimi, alongside lawyer Julius Taitankoko Kirya and principal cooperative officer Leonard Kavundira. The Director of Public Prosecutions intends to press charges including corruption, causing financial loss, conspiracy to defraud, money laundering, and abuse of office. Prosecutors are expected to present witnesses and evidence detailing the alleged irregular diversion of public funds intended for war loss claimants and cooperatives.

This article is based on information from the Daily Monitor.