The trial concerning the alleged theft of shillings 32 billion involving former employees and contracted agents of TotalEnergies Limited resumed on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at the Nakasero-based Anti-Corruption Court, headed by Justice Lawrence Gidudu.
Having adjourned the trial on January 22, 2024, to allow for the presentation of additional witnesses, Justice Gidudu instructed Chief State Attorney Gloria Inzikuru to facilitate discussions with the defense team, aiming to expedite the proceedings.
Among the accused are former employees of TotalEnergies, including Moses Sebalu (treasury officer), Belinda Nakasi (tax accountant), Priscillah Nansikombi (cashier), Lillian Mboizi (treasury manager), and Ritah Mbabazi (payment assistant). Additionally, Hemal Kotecha, Innocent Tugume, Deogratius Twagirayesu, Joseph Bbuye, and Evelyn Kaggwa, all contracted agents of TotalEnergies, face charges related to the alleged theft.
The prosecution contends that the accused individuals collaborated to embezzle shillings 32 billion from TotalEnergies between January 2016 and December 2018. Thus far, four witnesses have provided testimony in support of the prosecution’s case.
According to the prosecution’s allegations, the former employees established a fraudulent scheme enabling dealers to request fuel and lubricants based on fictitious credit entries posted to their accounts. The accused vehemently deny these accusations.
Furthermore, it is claimed that the accused individuals orchestrated fictitious payments, purportedly authorized by Lillian Mboizi, leveraging her privileged access to manipulate bank statements within the company’s systems.
The prosecution asserts that the fraudulent activities transpired across various branches of TotalEnergies, spanning Ben Kiwanuka, Kyaliwajjala, Kabuusu, Nakulabye, Luzira, Seeta Highway, Misindye, Mukono-Kawuga, Kwev Auto, and New Oasis service stations.
