Four officials from the Ministry of Education and Sports accused of demanding a bribe of UGX 228 million from a staff member of Synergy Enterprises Limited have been acquitted of corruption charges.
Acquitted Officials
The officials who have been cleared are:
- Doreen Matovu Lwanga, Head of Construction
- Abdul Nsubuga, Project Manager
- Solomon Kaigia, Project Coordinator
- Sam Kagwisagye, Engineer
Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga of the Anti-Corruption Court presided over the case and ruled that the prosecution failed to present sufficient evidence against the four officials. As a result, she directed that their bail money be refunded.
Case Against Lubinga
However, the judge determined that Edward Fredrick Lubinga, the chairperson of the evaluation committee at the Ministry of Education and Sports, still has a case to answer. Lubinga is required to defend himself against allegations of corruption.
In the ruling dated May 16, 2024, Justice Kajuga stated that the prosecution established a prima facie case against Lubinga. This means there is enough evidence to suggest that Lubinga may have committed the crime, and he must now provide a defense.
Allegations Against Lubinga
Lubinga is accused of soliciting a bribe of UGX 50 million from Robert Nsimbe, an employee of Synergy Enterprises Limited. This alleged solicitation occurred between August 2019 and August 2020. Lubinga reportedly demanded the money for conducting due diligence on Synergy Enterprises Limited for awarding a contract.
The prosecution claims that Lubinga received the money in two installments. Justice Kajuga noted that there is sufficient evidence to support the allegations that Lubinga solicited and received UGX 50 million, with UGX 25 million received in each installment. The court found this evidence credible and corroborated by prosecution witnesses.
Details of the Allegations
According to the court, Lubinga contacted Nsimbe, informing him that contracts were being sent to the Solicitor General and that UGX 25 million was needed for each contract lot, including Lot 3 for Nyamitanga. Nsimbe reportedly confirmed these figures through WhatsApp messages, requesting or demanding the money.
Despite struggling to raise the funds, Nsimbe alleged that Lubinga persistently asked for the money. He claimed to have paid Lubinga UGX 25 million at Fang Fang restaurant in Nakasero, Kampala.
