The High Court in Kampala has advised former Permanent Secretary Geraldine Ssali Busuulwa, along with five co-accused, including members of Parliament, to consider a plea bargain in relation to the fraud charges they are facing.
Geraldine Ssali, alongside Igara East MP Michael Mawanda, Elgon County MP Mudimi Wamakuyu, and Busiki County MP Paul Akamba, is accused of conspiring to defraud Buyaka Growers Cooperatives Society Limited of over 3.4 billion shillings. The group, which also includes Leonard Kavundira, Principal Cooperative Officer in the Ministry of Trade, and City lawyer Julius Kirya Taitankoko, was recently brought before the High Court’s Anti-Corruption Division following their committal for trial.
During their first appearance before Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga, the charges were read out anew, and all accused parties pleaded not guilty. The court was informed that the alleged crimes took place between 2019 and 2023, involving the misappropriation of funds meant as compensation for the Buyaka Growers Cooperatives Society Limited in Bulambuli District.
The Court also appointed assessors—Clemensia Nabudde, John Martin Ofwono, and Rehema Babirye—who will provide advisory opinions during the trial. However, defense lawyers raised concerns over the quality of the evidence provided by the State, with some stating that the flash disks containing the evidence were either inaccessible or of poor quality. The prosecution, led by Edward Muhumuza, requested additional time to provide clearer copies of the evidence.
Before addressing bail applications, Justice Kajuga informed the accused of the option to pursue a plea bargain, which could result in a lighter sentence if they choose to accept the charges.
The Court then proceeded to hear the bail applications of MPs Mawanda, Akamba, and lawyer Taitankoko, with those of Ssali, Kavundira, and Mudimi Wamakuyu scheduled for the following day. The defense, led by lawyer Caleb Alaka, argued for bail on the grounds that the accused have significant responsibilities and strong ties to the community, ensuring they would not abscond. They also highlighted precedents where bail was granted without the need for exceptional circumstances.
In opposition, the prosecution argued that the accused had not demonstrated sufficient grounds for bail, emphasizing the serious nature of the charges and the substantial sums of money involved. The prosecution also raised concerns about the adequacy of the sureties presented by the accused.
The Court has remanded the accused until Friday, August 30, 2024. A pretrial hearing is set for October 23, 2024, with the main trial scheduled to commence on November 4, 2024.
