Once more embroiled in controversy, Sarah Babirye Kityo, the president of the Uganda Netball Federation, finds herself at the centre of a storm over alleged fraudulent accountability of shillings 186 million.

The amount was intended for sporting events, specifically the Pent Series and the African National Championship in Namibia. The Pent Series aimed to enhance team rankings for participation in the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Babirye leaving court

Kityo, 36, a prominent figure in Ugandan politics and sports administration, was charged at the Nakasero-based Anti-Corruption Court Magistrate Grade One Magistrate Christopher Opit.

She was charged with one count of fraudulent false accounting under Section 23 of the Anti-Corruption Act of 2009 and remanded to Luzira Prison until December 1, 2023 for bail application.

The charge of fraudulent false accounting elicits seven years imprisonment on conviction or a fine of shillings 3.7 million or both.

Babirye talks to her lawyer Joseph Luzige

It is alleged that Kityo and others still at large between December and November in 2021 at the Uganda Netball Federation, with intent to defraud made or was privy to making false accountability in relation to shillings 186 million that was released by the National Council of Sports to the federation for the Pent Series and African National Championship in Nambia. She denied the charge.

Daniel Ntale one of the Sureties

The controversies between Kityo and the National Council of Sports have escalated, marked by a series of alleged controversies surrounding her management of the federation. 

These disputes have spotlighted concerns regarding the financial stewardship and operational decisions made under Kityo's leadership.