Geraldine Ssali, the Permanent Secretary of the Trade Ministry, has been arrested and brought before the Anti-Corruption Court. She faces charges of causing financial loss and conspiring with Members of Parliament to embezzle funds intended for cooperatives.
Ssali appeared late at the Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala as prosecutors amended the charge sheet to include her as the sixth accused in the case. Following this, she was returned to the CID headquarters to provide an additional statement.
Other accused individuals include Igara East MP Michael Mawanda, Elgon County MP Mudimi Wamakuyu, and Busiki County MP Paul Akamba. Also charged are Leonard Kavundira, the Principal Cooperative Officer in the Ministry of Trade, and city lawyer Julius Kirya Taitankoko.
In a session presided over by Chief Magistrate Joan Aciro, a heated exchange occurred between the defense and prosecution regarding the amendment of the charge sheet after the investigation had concluded. The court was convened for a further hearing on the bail application, during which the prosecution was expected to respond.
Chief State Attorneys Edward Muhumuza and Adrine Asiimwe informed the court that inquiries were complete and presented an amended charge sheet. The updated charges included an additional count of receiving stolen property against the MPs and lawyer Julius Kirya Taitankoko, as well as new charges of theft by an agent and money laundering. Leonard Kavundira faces an additional charge of abuse of office.
