Busoga Co-operative Embezzlement Suspects Freed on Bail
The Anti-Corruption Court in Nakasero has granted bail to two of the four individuals accused of embezzling 4 billion shillings intended for the Busoga Co-operative Union.
On August 7, 2024, senior principal magistrate Asiimwe released commercial officer James Muganza and co-operative chairperson Charles Basoga, sparking outrage among those seeking justice for the misappropriated funds. Basoga was granted cash bail of sh5 million, while Muganza was released on a cash bail of sh10 million.
The magistrate justified the decision by stating that the sureties presented by the accused were substantial enough to warrant their release. “I have listened to the submissions of both the prosecution and defence. I am of the view that the sureties presented are substantial, and, therefore, bail is granted to both accused,” Asiimwe said, disregarding the pleas from the prosecution for additional time to verify the documents presented by the sureties.
Chief state attorneys Stanley Baine and Anne Kiiza from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) had argued for more time to thoroughly vet the sureties’ documents, fearing potential flaws or misrepresentations. However, the magistrate swiftly overruled their request, leaving many to question the integrity of the judicial process in such a high-profile corruption case.
Basoga and Muganza are accused of embezzling UGX 4 billion from the Busoga Co-operative Union, a serious allegation that has tarnished their reputations and raised concerns about accountability and transparency within the organization. They face charges alongside John Matovu and Fred Makada, who are also implicated in the scandal.
Matovu, 62, a practising lawyer with Matovu and Matovu Advocates, and Makada, 55, associated with Makada and Makada Advocates, have yet to appear in court. The court has issued criminal summonses for them, but their absence has only added to the skepticism surrounding the handling of this case.
The alleged embezzlement of of more than 1 Million Dollars intended for the Busoga Co-operative Union is a grave betrayal of trust and a significant blow to efforts aimed at fostering economic development and cooperation within the region. The public’s confidence in the judicial system and anti-corruption measures has been severely shaken by the court’s decision to grant bail to the accused and critics say it undermines the fight against corruption and sets a dangerous precedent for future cases.
