The upcoming criminal session in the Kaliro High Court will see the trial of three officials from the Kaliro district local government, who stand accused of money laundering and causing financial loss amounting to 5.8 billion shillings.
The individuals involved in the case are chief finance officer Godfrey Mutome, accountant John Wabirwe, and human resource officer Rebecca Kwagala. They are facing allegations of causing loss to the Government through embezzlement, money laundering, and financial mismanagement.
Under the legal framework, the charges against Mutome, Wabirwe, and Kwagala encompass various offenses outlined in the Anti-Corruption Act 2009 and the Money Laundering Act 2013. Specifically, Kwagala is accused of causing financial loss, while all three face charges related to embezzlement and money laundering.
Justice Lawrence Gidudu, the head of the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court, has scheduled the hearing to take place in Kaliro from June 18 to June 21. This decision aims to facilitate proceedings closer to where the majority of witnesses are located.
Despite objections from the accused, who expressed concerns about potential bias from the local media in Kaliro, Justice Gidudu rejected their request to keep the case in a different location. He clarified that the court does not control media attendance, emphasizing that journalists attend court sessions at their discretion.
The prosecution’s case alleges a series of financial irregularities within the Kaliro district local government. It is claimed that between October 2014 and July 2022, Mutome and Wabirwe misappropriated sh5.8 billion belonging to the government, disguising the funds as loan deductions from the Kaliro Civil Servants’ SACCOS.
Furthermore, the prosecution asserts that Kwagala, in her capacity as human resource officer, facilitated fraudulent activities by creating fictitious accounts and invoices, resulting in a loss of sh4.4 billion for the Kaliro district local government.
In accordance with the law, individuals found guilty of such offenses face significant penalties. Embezzlement carries a potential sentence of up to 14 years in prison or a fine of sh6.7 million, while money laundering convictions may result in 15 years of imprisonment or a fine of up to sh2 billion. Similarly, causing financial loss can lead to a 14-year jail term or a fine not exceeding sh6.7 million.
