The Anti-Corruption Court has dismissed a case initiated by city lawyer Hassan Male Mabirizi, wherein he sought legal measures to compel the former head of the National Bureau of Standards, Ebilu David Livingston, to answer allegations of money laundering. This accusation stemmed from a purported 100 million bribe Mabirizi claimed was offered to Livingston to secure the renewal of his contract with the council.
The dismissal was made by Anti-Corruption Court Grade One Magistrate Abert Asiimwe, who ruled that even if the allegations were proven true, they would constitute corruption rather than money laundering. Asiimwe highlighted that Mabirizi had indicated his intention to utilize Parliamentary Hansards as evidence to support the alleged offense, referencing sections 3(c), 116, and 136 of the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2013. However, Mabirizi failed to furnish this evidence, leading to the dismissal.
” in absence of Parliamentary Hansards and parliamentary proceedings, court had no basis from which it would decide that the application disclosed the existence of a premafacie case.” HW.Asiimwe ruled.
Asiimwe advised Mabirizi to collaborate closely with either the Inspectorate of Government or the Director of Public Prosecutions to chart the next course of action.
On January 4th, 2024, Mabirizi filed an application pursuant to Section 42(c) of the Magistrates Court Act, seeking to level charges of money laundering against Ebilu David Livingstone. In this application dated January 2nd, 2024, Mabirizi alleged that Ebilu, a Ugandan Member of Parliament categorized as a politically exposed person, had solicited a 100 million Ugandan shillings bribe to secure his position as Chief Executive Officer. Ebilu reportedly disclosed this bribe before the Parliamentary Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities, and State Enterprises.
Mabirizi was granted a 14-day window to appeal the dismissal if he chooses to do so.
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