Court Rejects Bid to Halt Shs3.8 Billion Fraud Case Against Former PS Ssali

The Anti-Corruption Court has dismissed an application seeking to halt the Shs3.8 billion fraud case against former Permanent Secretary Geraldine Ssali and her co-accused. Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga ruled that granting a stay would cause undue delays to the judicial process.

Former Busiiki County MP Paul Akamba, one of the accused, had requested the court to pause the criminal proceedings while he pursued an appeal related to his human rights enforcement application before the Constitutional Court. Akamba alleged serious violations, including abduction, assault, and incommunicado detention, seeking damages and the nullification of the corruption charges against him.

While acknowledging the gravity of Akamba’s allegations, Justice Kajuga found no sufficient link between these human rights claims and the corruption trial to warrant a stay. She expressed concern over the significant delays already experienced in the case, which was committed to the court in June 2024. As of late 2026, no witnesses have testified, a situation the judge noted as detrimental to all parties involved.

“It is important that cases are heard and that they are heard quickly,” Justice Kajuga stated, highlighting the prolonged period without trial commencement. She concluded that there was no justification to stay the proceedings, emphasizing the need to balance the interests of justice and ensure timely resolution.

The ruling means the corruption case against Ms. Ssali, Mr. Akamba, and the other defendants will move forward. The matter has been adjourned to December 5 for further hearing.

This decision allows the prosecution to continue presenting its case against the accused in the alleged Shs3.8 billion fraud.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)