Kampala Banker Risks Paying UGX 100 Million for Missing Bail Suspect

A Kampala banker, Joel Acidri Cadribo, has been remanded by the Standards, Utilities, and Wildlife Court after failing to produce the suspect he stood surety for. Cadribo, an employee at a city based bank, was arrested on 7 October 2024 and brought before the court for failing to fulfill his responsibilities as a surety.
Cadribo had previously stood surety for Lawrence Leti, a security guard from Ndibanga Central in Iganga district, who was facing charges of failing to protect telecommunication installations, theft, criminal trespass, and possession of stolen property. Leti had been granted bail in October 2023, with a cash bond of Shs1 million, while Cadribo and other sureties were bonded for Shs100 million, not in cash. As part of the surety agreement, Cadribo was responsible for ensuring that Leti appeared in court for all required hearings.
When Leti failed to return to court after being granted bail, Cadribo found himself in trouble. A surety is required to supervise the accused while they are out on bail, ensuring their compliance with bail conditions. Additionally, a surety must inform the court of any issues preventing the accused from attending their scheduled court dates.
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On his day in court, Cadribo claimed that Leti had gone to his village after being released from prison and that he was on his way to court. However, state prosecutor Judith Nyamwiza informed the court that Leti had not appeared in court since October 2023, raising concerns about his whereabouts. Despite Cadribo’s insistence that Leti was en route, the court could not delay proceedings and ordered Cadribo’s remand, citing his failure to fulfill his obligations.
Magistrate Gladys Kamasanyu, presiding over the case, emphasized the importance of understanding the responsibilities of standing surety. She noted that it is not just a means to secure someone’s release from jail but a serious legal commitment that requires the surety to ensure the accused appears in court and complies with bail conditions. Cadribo now faces the possibility of being held liable for the Shs100 million bond if Leti does not appear in court.
Cadribo is expected to return to court on 9 October 2024, where he will be held accountable if Leti fails to show up. This case highlights the consequences that come with acting as a surety, especially when the accused fails to honor their court obligations.
In Uganda, standing surety is a legally binding commitment where the surety not only pledges to supervise the accused but also agrees to pay a specified amount of money if the accused does not meet their bail conditions. In this case, Cadribo’s failure to ensure Leti’s presence in court could cost him a significant sum of money.
Key Details
Information
Name of Surety
Joel Acidric Cadribo
Accused
Lawrence Leti
Charges Against Accused
Theft, Trespass, Failure to Protect Telecommunication Installations, Possession of Stolen Property
Accused’s Last Court Appearance
October 2023
Bail Bond for Sureties
Shs100 million (not cash)
Cash Bond for Accused
Shs1 million
Surety’s Responsibility
Ensure accused attends court