An assistant registration officer employed at the Uganda Registration Service Bureau (URSB) finds herself embroiled in legal trouble as she faces charges of abuse of office and conspiracy to defraud. Loyce Kiconco was formally charged on March 13, 2024, at the Nakasero-based Anti-Corruption Court, presided over by Chief Magistrate Joan Aciro.
The prosecution, represented by Pamela Orokot and Sandra Mutuwa, alleges that between January and September 2021, at the URSB office located in Georgia House, Kampala district, Kiconco abused her authority by irregularly registering a general power of attorney attributed to Mary Grace Nandawula without following proper procedure. Additionally, she is accused of participating in a conspiracy to defraud Nandawula of her land located in Block 392 Plot 23 Sekiunga Musaale, Busiro, Wakiso district. Other individuals allegedly involved in the conspiracy remain at large.
Kiconco refuted the charges against her and was granted bail set at shillings 5 million in cash, with her sureties required to execute non-cash bail amounting to shillings 100 million. Chief Magistrate Aciro issued criminal summons for Kiconco’s co-accused at the prosecution’s request. Dalausi Kabogoza, Annet Ndagire, and Pamela Musiimire, all residing in different locations, were summoned to appear in court on April 15, 2024, to respond to charges related to conspiracy to defraud, forgery, and uttering fake documents.
Table 1: Summary of Charges
| Charges | Details |
|---|---|
| Abuse of Office | – Irregular registration of power of attorney – Alleged abuse of authority without proper procedure |
| Conspiracy to Defraud | – Involvement in a scheme to defraud Mary Grace Nandawula of her land in Busiro, Wakiso district |
| Forgery and Uttering Fake Documents | – Allegations against co-accused, summoned to appear in court |
According to the Anti-Corruption Act of 2009, as amended, the charge of abuse of office carries a potential sentence of up to seven years imprisonment or a fine not exceeding shillings 1.3 million, or both. Meanwhile, under section 309 of the Penal Code, conspiracy to defraud can lead to a maximum prison term of three years.
Furthermore, individuals convicted under the Anti-Corruption Act face a prohibition from holding public office for a period of ten years.
