Anti-Corruption Court Resumes UGX3.4 Billion Buyaka Compensation Case

The Anti-Corruption Division resumed hearing the corruption case involving former Permanent Secretary, Geraldine Ssali, and her co-accused. Ssali and five co-accused were charged with the alleged fraudulent payment of 3.4 billion shillings meant for compensation of Buyaka Growers Cooperative Society Limited in Bulambuli District.

The case resumed on Wednesday before Lady Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga, nearly two years after proceedings were halted pending the determination of a constitutional petition filed by former Busiki County Member of Parliament Paul Akamba, one of the accused persons. At the start of the session, Chief State Attorney Edward Muhumuza appeared alongside Senior State Attorneys Raymond Mugisa, Bruce Twongirwe, and Timothy Amerit.

The prosecution informed the court that all accused persons were present except Leonard Kavundira, the Principal Cooperative Officer in the Ministry of Trade and Cooperatives. Defense lawyer Owen Murangira, who appeared with Edgar Ayebazibwe and Patricia Ivy Muhumuza, told the court that efforts to contact Kavundira had initially failed. However, co-accused Julius Kirya Taitankoko later informed the court that he had spoken to Kavundira, who said he had not received a court summons and was unaware of the day’s proceedings.

Justice Kajuga noted that the matter had last come before the court in August 2024 when Akamba filed a petition, which resulted in the halting of the trial in accordance with provisions of the Human Rights Enforcement Act then in force. The judge explained that following a recent Constitutional Court decision that struck down provisions of the Human Rights (Enforcement) Act which allowed automatic acquittals based on alleged rights violations, the criminal proceedings could now continue.

She, however, clarified that Akamba’s pending application, which seeks to dismiss charges against him on grounds of having been tortured while he was being re-arrested shortly after securing bail, had not been disposed of and would still be heard. “There was an oversight, and your application will still be heard if you remain interested in pursuing it,” Justice Kajuga told Akamba.

After consulting with his lawyers, Akamba informed the court that he remained interested in pursuing the application. He argued that Section 8 of the Human Rights Enforcement Act had not been nullified and maintained that his application should proceed for a hearing.

Justice Kajuga agreed, assuring him that the application would be given priority hearing dates but emphasized that its existence should not prevent preparations for the substantive trial. Defense lawyer Murangira then raised concerns over incomplete disclosure by the prosecution, arguing that the defense had not yet received all the evidence intended to be relied upon during trial.

In response, the prosecution conceded that disclosure had not been completed because the matter had remained stayed for an extended period. The prosecution requested additional time, indicating that disclosure could be finalized by the end of the week and proposing that the trial commence in August.

Justice Kajuga directed the prosecution to complete disclosure by June 26, 2026, saying that the process was necessary before trial could begin. The judge has also directed the court registrar to commence the process of identifying and vetting two new assessors.

Lawyer John Isabirye, representing Ssali, informed the court that his client is scheduled to undergo knee surgery on August 25th and would require at least one week of recovery. He further noted that several defense lawyers would be engaged in election petition matters during July and August and requested that the hearing be scheduled for September. The prosecution did not object to the request, citing the health concerns raised by the defense.

Justice Kajuga subsequently scheduled the matter for September 9, 10, 15, 17, and 24, 2026. She indicated that the court intends to hear the case in concentrated sessions, beginning with preliminary hearings before proceeding to the full trial. The judge also extended bail for all accused persons, including Kavundira, despite his absence from court.

Akamba’s human rights enforcement application was fixed for a hearing on July 1, 2026. The court directed him to notify his lawyer, Jude Byamukama, who was absent on Wednesday, as well as the Attorney General, to ensure their attendance.

Ssali, Akamba, Igara East MP Michael Mawanda, Elgon County MP Wamakuyu Mudimi, Kavundira, and city lawyer Julius Kirya Taitankoko are jointly charged with conspiracy to defraud the government of 3.4 billion shillings meant for compensation of Buyaka Growers Cooperative Society Limited. The alleged offences are said to have been committed between 2019 and 2023.

The trial had stalled after Akamba challenged the legality of his prosecution, arguing that his re-arrest shortly after being granted bail violated his constitutional rights. However, the Constitutional Court recently ruled that provisions of the Human Rights (Enforcement) Act permitting automatic acquittals upon proof of rights violations were unconstitutional because they undermined victims’ rights to have criminal cases fully heard and determined.

This decision e cleared the way for the Anti-Corruption Court to resume proceedings today. On January 6, 2026, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Lino Anguzu, notified the court that the government would no longer pursue the corruption case against three NRM MPs, including Yusuf Mutembuli, Akamba, and Cissy Namujju Dionizia.

These charges were related to soliciting a 20 percent bribe from the Uganda Human Rights Commission in order for them to exert influence on Parliament so as to pass the Commission’s budget. However, Akamba was featured in two case files; he remains on this one-URN.

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