Nyakaana to cough sh20m over power theft

By Jeff Andrew Lule    

Kampala central division chairman, Godfrey Nyakaana has paid sh10m of the sh20m that he owes Umeme, Uganda’s power distribution company. This is part of the sh20.9m that he owes Umeme in power theft.

The Makindye Grade One magistrate, Flavia Nabakooza handed over the sh10m cheque from Nyakaana to Umeme area manager for Najjanankumbi, Travor Kigenyi in the presence of all parties in her chambers.

While handing over the cheque, Nabakooza said she had received the cheque from Nyakaana's lawyer the previous day and opted to release the accused. "I saw no reason why I should have remanded him."

Nyakaana was early this year charged with dishonest use and consumption of electric energy, diversion of energy, damaging supply lines and interfering with electric installations contrary to the Electricity Act.

He allegedly committed the offences between October 2010 and October 2011 at his Lake Victoria Hotel and Suites in Munyonyo.

Nabakooza asked Kigenyi to immediately bank the cheque and report to back to court when it matures or bounces.

"I trusted you [Nyakaana] and released you in the absence of the Umeme prosecutor but if that cheque bounces, I am going to make you sleep in Luzira Prison," Nabakooza’s warning was clear.

Nyakaana also requested court that he should pay the remaining balance in installments of sh250,000 per month which the Umeme prosecutor accepted.

She adjourned the next hearing to July 2, 2012 when Umeme will confirm the validity of the cheque.

Nabakooza said Nyakaana having shown commitment to paying the bill, the earlier bail terms and conditions will remain until otherwise.

The payment comes shortly after the accused narrowly survived being remanded to Luzira on Tuesday.

Nyakaana had been detained at the court holding cell for over five hours en-route to Luzira and was later released after his lawyer presented the cheque to the magistrate at the last minute.

His release was queried by the Umeme Public Prosecutor, Justine Odong because it was done in his absence.