Recent revelations have surfaced regarding the re-arrest of Busiki County MP Paul Akamba, who, along with 35 colleagues, is facing charges related to the embezzlement of cooperative funds. This incident has sparked significant controversy and condemnation from various senior citizens and organizations, including the Uganda Law Society, due to the nature of Akamba’s re-arrest despite his compliance with court summons.
Paul Akamba was re-arrested last Friday by armed, masked security personnel shortly after being granted bail by the Anti-Corruption Court in Nakasero, Kampala. He faces corruption charges alongside Yusuf Mutembuli (Bunyole East) and Cissy Dionozia Namujju (Lwengo District Woman MP). The re-arrest is connected to a separate investigation involving the alleged embezzlement of cooperative funds amounting to UGX 164 billion.
Scope of the Investigation
Sources indicate that Akamba is one of 35 lawmakers implicated in this investigation. The new charges pertain to systemic irregularities in managing funds meant for war loss compensation to cooperative unions.
A parliamentary sectoral committee report on tourism, trade, and industry has implicated several MPs, law firms, and trade ministry officials in diverting cooperative funds. The inquiry includes several cooperatives:
- Wamala Growers Cooperative Union Limited
- Uganda Cooperative Transport Society Limited
- West Acholi Cooperative Union Limited
- Buyaka Growers Cooperative Society Limited
- Busoga Growers Cooperative
- Jinja Multipurpose Cooperative Society
- Bumwambu Growers Cooperative Society Limited
- West Mengo Cooperative Union Limited
- Lambuli Central Pulpery Cooperative Society Limited
- Masaaba Cooperative Union Limited
Governance and budgetary allocations within these entities are under scrutiny. The investigations intensified after the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, referred a report on the misappropriation of UGX 164 billion to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Police, and the Inspector General of Government (IGG).
Joint Investigation Team
A joint investigation team, including the Police’s Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), the Internal Security Organisation, and the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, has been regularly convening to share information. CID is handling five cases of MPs related to abuse of office, embezzlement, and causing financial loss.
Former state minister for trade Harriet Ntabazi previously disclosed that over 30 MPs, including vocal opposition members, were under investigation for their involvement in the embezzlement of UGX 164 billion designated for cooperative compensation.
Court Proceedings and Charges
Chief Magistrate Joan Aciro granted Akamba a cash bail of UGX 13 million. However, Akamba was re-arrested immediately after leaving the court premises. His lawyer, Asuman Basalirwa, condemned the re-arrest, emphasizing that Akamba had met all court requirements for bail. The Police have yet to issue a statement on the re-arrest.
The prosecution has stated their readiness to proceed with the trial of Akamba and his colleagues. On the same day, the Anti-Corruption Court denied bail to Akamba’s colleagues, Mutembuli and Namujju, citing inadequate documentation.
Allegations
The charges against Akamba, Mutembuli, and Namujju include soliciting a 20% kickback from the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) chairperson, Mariam Wangadya, for influencing the budget committee of Parliament to increase UHRC’s budget for the 2024/2025 financial year. They have denied these charges.
IGG Withdrawal from Investigation
The IGG, Beti Kamya, has withdrawn from the UGX 164 billion cooperatives money probe, leaving the matter to CID. Kamya’s decision was to avoid duplicating work and followed a directive from the Cabinet. The original documents from the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives were returned to the ministry for continuity of evidence.
Discover more from Ugandan Exclusive
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
