Prime
Chogm ministers trial for today
Minister Sam Kutesa (C) with his supporters after a court appearance at the Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala recently. The minister is accused of abusing Chogm funds. PHOTO BY isaac kasamani
What you need to know:
The ministers, accused of causing financial loss, will be represented by Mr Didas Nkurunziza, Dr Joseph Byamugisha, and Mr Oscar Kambona.
Kampala
The Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala is today expected to start hearing the high-profile corruption case in which three ministers are accused of abuse of office and causing government a financial loss of Shs14 billion ahead of the 2007 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meting (Chogm).
The ministers, who are expected to stand in the dock include Sam Kutesa, (Foreign Affairs), Eng. John Nasasira, (General Duties OPM) and Mwesigwa Rukutana (State Labour).
About three weeks ago, public prosecutor Sydney Asubo, who is prosecuting the ministers on behalf of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), told court that he intends to line up eight witnesses to testify against the ministers. He added that the number of the witnesses could rise up to 13 depending on how his evidence is presented.
However, Mr Asubo, who did not reveal to court the identities of these witnesses, also told the court that he expects all his prosecution witnesses to have testified within a week.
It is alleged that the ministers, while performing their duties in abuse of authority, irregularly convened a consultative cabinet meeting and decided that the government would fully fund the construction of the drive ways, parking areas and marina at Speke Resort Munyonyo, which caused the government a loss of Shs14 billion.
The hotel, owned by businessman Sudhir Ruparelia, was among the hotels to accommodate the visiting presidents attending the Chogm summit. The trio deny the charges.
Also during the last court appearance, two court assessors; Mr Nelson Hamiza, a social worker and Ms Sarah Among, a businesswoman in Kampala, took oath and will assist court in the hearing. Once convicted, abuse of office carries a jail term of up to seven years while causing financial loss attracts a jail term of up to 14 years.
