Uganda's Consul General in Kenya, Kiguli, Detained Over Shs 494 Million Loss

Ambassador Herbert Kiguli, currently serving as Uganda’s Consul General in Mombasa, Kenya, faces serious charges in Uganda’s Anti-Corruption Court. He was remanded to Luzira Prison on Monday after appearing before Principal Magistrate Christopher Opit.

Kiguli, aged 49, has pleaded not guilty to accusations of causing a financial loss of Shs 494 million and abuse of office. These alleged offenses occurred on November 9 and 10, 2020, when Kiguli held a position as commissioner for human resource management at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF).

The Inspectorate of Government (IG) contends that Kiguli, acting on behalf of the principal of Bukalasa Agricultural College, authorized five requisitions totaling over Shs 614 million. The IG claims these transactions resulted in a significant loss to the government, as the funds were neither budgeted for nor anticipated by the college, and no formal agreement governed the financial dealings between the college and the ministry at the time.

These funds were reportedly designated for MAAIF activities that were disrupted by COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Kiguli’s case is part of a broader investigation into the alleged misappropriation of Shs 8.7 billion of funds released by MAAIF to Bukalasa Agricultural College and the Fisheries Training Institute during the pandemic lockdown. Investigations have uncovered irregularities, including payments for student feeding while students were at home and the purchase of private land with the misappropriated funds.

Kiguli is expected back in court on October 7 for the hearing of his bail application. The IG has indicated that some officials involved have agreed to refund the funds, and recovery measures are underway.

Source: https://observer.ug/news/ugandas-ambassador-to-kenya-kiguli-remanded-over-shs-494m-loss