The trial of the former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Geraldine Ssali Busuulwa in the Anti-Corruption Court has been temporarily halted.
This follows an application filed by Paul Akamba, a co-accused in the corruption case raising human rights violations.
The court has referred the matter to the Constitutional Court for interpretation, with the trial set to resume on November 25th 2024.
Akamba claims he was subjected to unlawful detention and mistreatment during his arrest.
According to Akamba’s application, he was assaulted by security officers during his arrest and held beyond the mandatory 48-hour period.
He further alleges that after being granted bail, he was rearrested by plainclothed gunmen on June 14th 2024 and detained for seven days at Kireka.
These actions, he argues, violated his right to liberty and a fair trial. Akamba is seeking the dismissal of the charges and acquittal from the ongoing trial.
Justice Jane Kajuga, who is presiding over the case, acknowledged that the issues raised by Akamba involve constitutional questions beyond her court’s jurisdiction hence referring the matter to the Constitutional Court for interpretation.
Geraldine Ssali is accused of embezzling shillings 3.4 billion intended for Buyaka Growers Cooperative Society Limited as compensation for the period between 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 financial years.
It is also alleged that Ssali facilitated irregular payments amounting to shillings 3.8 billion to Kirya and Company Advocates, a law firm owned by her co-accused, lawyer Julius Kirya Taitankoko, under the pretense of compensating war victims linked to Buyaka Growers.
The case also implicates Members of Parliament; Ignatius Mudimi Wamakuyu (Elgon County), Michael Maranga Mawanda (Igara East), Leonard Kavundira, a Principal Cooperatives Officer in the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives and lawyer Julius Kirya Taitankoko for having conspired with Ssali to steal the Government funds.
By Elizabeth Ankunda
23 Oct 2024
END
