In a dramatic turn of events, five prominent figures found themselves behind bars in Luzira Prison, facing serious allegations of financial impropriety. Michael Mawanda, the lawmaker from Igara East, Paul Akamba of Busiki County, Mudimi Wamakuyu from Elgon County, and lawyer Julius Kirya Taitankoko were all remanded in custody, accused of diverting a staggering Shs164 billion meant for compensating cooperative societies.
The quintet stands accused of conspiracy to defraud and misappropriation of funds, leaving many in shock and wondering how such a large sum could have been allegedly misused. As they begin their journey through the legal system, the gravity of their alleged actions weighs heavily on the public’s mind.
The prosecution alleges that a conspiracy unfolded between 2019 and 2023, involving five individuals: Mudimi Wamakuyu, the MP for Elgon County, Leonard Kavundira, the Assistant Registrar of Cooperatives in the Ministry of Trade, Michael Mawanda, Paul Akamba, and Julius Kirya.
They allegedly colluded to defraud a significant amount of Shs7.3 billion, earmarked for compensating Buyaka Growers Cooperatives Society Limited. This shocking allegation suggests a deliberate attempt to misappropriate funds intended for legitimate purposes, leaving many wondering about the motives and extent of this alleged conspiracy.
The prosecution’s case alleges a conspiracy to defraud Buyaka Growers Cooperatives Society Limited of Shs7.3 billion, which was budgeted for compensation purposes. The accused individuals include:
1. Mudimi Wamakuyu, the MP for Elgon County
2. Leonard Kavundira, Assistant Registrar of Cooperatives in the Ministry of Trade
3. Michael Mawanda
4. Paul Akamba
5. Julius Kirya
The alleged conspiracy took place between 2019 and 2023, and the prosecution aims to prove that these individuals worked together to misappropriate the funds intended for the cooperative society.
The prosecution’s allegations are as follows:
– Michael Mawanda is accused of diverting Shs1,050,000 in October 2021 in Kampala, misusing public funds for unrelated purposes.
– Paul Akamba is alleged to have diverted Shs2.3 billion for personal benefit.
– Mudimi Wamakuyu (also known as Wanakuyu) is accused of diverting Shs200 million for personal gain.
– Julius Kirya allegedly diverted Shs2.2 billion for his own benefit.
These allegations suggest that each of the accused individuals misappropriated significant amounts of public funds for their own benefit, totaling over Shs5.7 billion.
The allegations against the suspects have expanded to include a further conspiracy to defraud Buyaka Cooperative Society of Shs3.4 billion, bringing the total amount of allegedly misappropriated funds to Shs9.1 billion (Shs5.7 billion previously mentioned + Shs3.4 billion).
The suspects’ alleged actions involve a significant breach of trust and a gross mismanagement of public funds, causing financial harm to the intended beneficiaries, Buyaka Cooperative Society. The prosecution’s case aims to hold the suspects accountable for their alleged roles in this large-scale fraud.
Mawanda and Bulambuli Constituency MP Ignatius Wamakuyu Mudimi were summoned last week to appear before Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) detectives and record statements over their involvement in the corruption scandal. Here are some details about the corruption scandal involving Mawanda and Mudimi:
Mawanda and Mudimi were summoned to appear before the CID to record statements about their involvement in the scandal.
The scandal involves the alleged mismanagement of Shs 164 billion intended for cooperative compensation.
Mawanda is accused of playing a pivotal role in the diversion of funds from the West Mengo Growers Cooperative Society.
– Mudimi is accused of mismanaging funds from several cooperative societies,including Lambuli Central Pulpery Cooperative Society Limited, Bumwambu Growers Cooperative Society Limited, Masaaba Cooperative Union Limited, and Buyaka Growers Cooperative Society Limited.
The investigation is ongoing, and the police have searched Mawanda’s residence in Lower Kololo Terrace for evidence.
The scandal has drawn significant attention, with up to 30 legislators under investigation for their alleged participation in embezzling Shs 164 billion meant for compensating cooperatives.
Appearing before Anti-Corruption Court Chief Magistrate Joan Aciro, the accused’s lawyers agreed not to apply for bail because their clients were brought to court late, thus denying them a chance to interact with them. They were subsequently remanded to Luzira prison until July 9, 2024.
The prosecution asked for one month to prepare documents and submit them to the lawyers of the accused in the Shs164 billion cooperatives case. Earlier, the prosecution had told the court that they were ready with evidence and only waiting for a hearing date.
Last year, the former State Minister for Trade, Harriet Ntababazi, revealed that up to 30 legislators were facing criminal investigation over their alleged role in the embezzlement of Shs164 billion meant for compensation to cooperative societies.
According to the report that parliament sent to CID and the Inspectorate of Government for further investigations, there were only two MPs supposed to be quizzed. They are Elgon County MP Mudimi Wamakuyu and Igara East MP Michael Mawanda, while former Kyankwanzi District Woman MP Anne Maria Nankabirwa is also a target.
In 2011/2012, the Ugandan government allocated Shs164 billion to compensate cooperative societies that lost funds and property during wars between 1979 and 2006. The disbursement of funds has been marred by irregularities, with some MPs and government officials accused of conspiring to embezzle the funds.
