KOLOLO-The Anti-Corruption Corruption Court in Kampala has issued Criminal Summons to the Minister in-charge of Karamoja Affairs, Mary Gorreti Kitutu and Atuhirwe Tracy to appear on 29th/February/2024 for Causing financial Loss of Ushs 1,555,365,000.
Sseremba Geoffrey Secretary/Accounting Officer and Deogratious Masagazi ,Head of Department Pacification and Development Programme in OPM who were present in Court have been charged afresh with Corruption charges to which they have pleaded to not guilty.
The two through their lawyers have applied their already granted bail to be maintained, which trial Magistrate Christopher Opit allowed with no objection from the IG Prosecutors.
The IG has been represented in the matter by Prosecutors Nantabazi Diana and William Moses Ntumwa.
Particulars of the offence
Causing financial loss contrary to Section 20 (1) of the Anti-Corruption Act, 2009 as amended.
It is alleged that Hon. Mary Gorreti Kitutu between February and June, 2022 while performing her duties as Minister for Karamoja Affairs failed to conduct various peace building activities in the Karamoja sub region knowing or having reason to believe that her omission would cause financial loss and indeed caused loss of Uganda shillings UGX.1,555,365,000 (One Billion, Five Hundred Fifty-Five Million, Three Hundred Sixty-Five Thousand Shillings) to the Government of Uganda.
Corruption , Contrary to Section 2(h) of the Anti-Corruption Act, 2009 as amended. It is alleged that Sseremba Geoffrey and Deogratius Masagazi between February and June, 2022 while at the office of the Prime Minister, Kampala, in the performance of their duties as Accounting Officer and Head of Department, Pacification and Development Program respectively, for the purpose of illicitly obtaining benefits for themselves and Hon. Mary Gorretti Kitutu omitted to exercise due diligence/care when authorizing a total cash payment of UGX 2,230,291,000 (Uganda Shillings Two Billion, Two Hundred Thirty Million, two Hundred Ninety One Thousand) to various staff within the Office of the Prime Minister.
It is further alleged that Atuhirwe Tracy between April and June,2022 while at the office of the Prime Minister, Kampala in neglect of her duty as Acting Head of Accounts failed to properly manage and ensure accountability for UGX 2,230,291,000 (Uganda Shillings Two Billion, Two Hundred Thirty Million,Two Hundred Ninety One Thousand) being funds that were meant for peace building activities in Karamoja sub region.
