news 17 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
High Court Schedules September Trial for Former PS Ssali Over Shs Billions Corruption Case
The Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court has set September 2026 dates for the trial of former Permanent Secretary Geraldine Ssali and five co-accused facing charges related to alleged theft of government compensation funds. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/high-court-sets-trial-dates-for-former-ps-ssali-and-co-accused-5500314
Top officials, including former Ministry of Trade Permanent Secretary Geraldine Ssali, are slated for trial in September 2026. The Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court has allocated several dates for the hearing of a case involving billions of shillings in alleged mismanagement and theft of government compensation funds.
Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga has scheduled the trial to take place on September 9, 10, 15, 17, and 24, 2026. This comes after a period of uncertainty that had halted proceedings due to a constitutional court ruling. The prosecution has been directed to complete the disclosure of evidence to the defense by June 26, 2026.
All accused individuals, including MPs Michael Mawanda Maranga and Ignatius Wamakuyu Mudimi, former MP Paul Akamba, lawyer Julius Taitankoko Kirya, and principal cooperative officer Leonard Kavundira, have had their bail extended. The case was previously suspended pending a human rights application filed by Akamba. Although the Constitutional Court ruling allowing the case to proceed has been made, Akamba’s separate application will still be heard on July 1, 2026.
Lawyers for the defense requested a September trial, citing various commitments including election petitions and a scheduled surgery for Ms. Ssali on August 25, which requires a recovery period. The judge indicated a preference for concentrated hearing sessions, aiming to dedicate a full week or at least five days to the case.
Additionally, the court must appoint a replacement assessor, as one of the previously appointed individuals has passed away. The court registrar will vet two new candidates for this role. The court acknowledges the delay in evidence disclosure, attributing it partly to the prolonged stay of proceedings, but the State has committed to completing this by the June 26 deadline.