The trial concerning alleged fraudulent procurement of animal semen worth sh1.3 billion by former executives of the National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC & DB), including Dr. Charles Lagu, is set to resume on Monday, January 22, 2024, before Justice Margaret Tibulya at the Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala.
Accused alongside Lagu are Eziekel Phillip Mukani (procurement officer), Clement Nuwamanya (farm manager), Dr. Patrick Mawadri (veterinary officer), Dr. Wilfred Anthony Ntaate (deputy technical manager production), Tadeo Mbazira, Charles Ezati, Benda Katali, Mathias Wakulira, and Yasinta Nabukenya.
In the previous court session, Andrew Emejeit, a senior officer from the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA), testified that the sh1.3 billion contract between the government and Kibbubu Agro Suppliers Limited for the supply of animal semen was not cleared by the Solicitor General, as required by law.
Under the guidance of State Attorney Steven Ariong, Emejeit highlighted that the entity proceeded with a contract that lacked the necessary clearance. The witness informed the court that their investigation was prompted by a request from the Criminal Investigations Directorate in a letter dated May 6, 2020, to review the procurement process.
Emejeit revealed that the NAGRC&DB user department failed to provide specific details for the semen delivery, violating PPDA Rules. He emphasized that the absence of clear terms of reference and estimated value in the procurement initiation placed the entity at risk, potentially acquiring supplies that did not meet requirements.
Despite Dr. Charles Lagu signing the sh1.3 billion contract, Emejeit noted a lack of evidence indicating a market price assessment, posing a risk of procuring supplies at an inflated cost. The witness also argued that Kibbubu did not meet the criteria for direct procurement, as other suppliers were available in the market.
As the case unfolds, the accused face charges including abuse of office, corruption, fraudulent false accounting, and forgery.
