By Joyce Namutebi            
                
Tororo MP, Geoffrey Ekanya has said that 'embattled' former minister, Mike Mukula is being politically witch-hunted.

"He is being politically witch-hunted simply because he expressed interest to run for presidency," Ekanya told a news conference at Parliament Building that Mukula’s friends will appeal against court ruling.

Mukula, a former health state minister, was on Friday sentenced to four years in prison for embezzling sh210m from the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI) in 2005.

Citing Mukula's case, Ekanya asserted that the crusade against corruption is being politicized.

He said the charge sheet had about six people, but it was surprising that only one was being convicted. "We shall not accept this political witch hunting," Ekanya said adding, "We, the friends are going to appeal."

"Our friend is being sacrificed even after refunding the money." He explained that the Public Finance and Accountability Act allows refund where the money has not been utilized properly.

Ethics and integrity state minister, Simon Lokodo said the trial and sentencing of Mukula for embezzling public funds should serve as a lesson to Ugandans to shun corruption.