Ronald Jimmy Ajuk, a former procurement officer at Bellazuri Cosmetics Company, has begun his defense against charges of causing a financial loss of shillings 822.5 million ($219,931) to Absa Bank. The trial is being held at the Nakasero-based Anti-Corruption Court, presided over by Justice Lawrence Gidudu.
On March 7, 2024, Justice Gidudu ruled that Ajuk has a case to answer, requiring him to defend himself against the charges. The judge stated that Ajuk’s actions appeared reckless, as he spent money in his account without verifying its source. Unless explained, this conduct could make him liable for the loss both criminally and civilly.
Ajuk claims the money he spent came from Germany. However, Justice Gidudu pointed out that if no evidence supports this claim, it remains a mere assertion. The judge emphasized that no funds from Germany had reached Ajuk’s Absa Bank account since June 2022, suggesting that Ajuk’s actions were unjustified.
Evidence presented in court showed that before June 2022, Ajuk’s account had a balance of only $8.55 (about shillings 33,376). In June 2022, his account suddenly received $6 million (about shillings 22 billion). An analysis of transactions from June 10 to 13, 2022, indicated a rush to withdraw funds, suggesting panic. The court noted that without an explanation, it could presume that Ajuk knew the money did not belong to him.
Ajuk was given three options for his defense: testifying under oath (which would allow cross-examination), giving an unsworn testimony (without cross-examination), or remaining silent. He chose to give sworn evidence and stated he would call witnesses to support his case.
Ajuk faces charges under section 20(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act, 2009, as amended. If convicted, he could face a fine of up to shillings 4.8 million, a prison term of up to 14 years, or both.
The prosecution, led by chief state attorney Gloria Inzikuru, alleges that Ajuk’s account was mistakenly credited with $6 million (about shillings 22 billion) instead of $1,500 (about shillings 6 million) from Anna Kamwine, who sent the money via mobile banking. Ajuk is accused of spending $219,931 (about shillings 822.5 million), knowing it was not his and that this would cause a loss to the bank.
Ajuk denies the charges, insisting that the funds were legitimately received from Germany. The court will continue to hear his defense and the evidence he presents.
