The state has opposed the application by Sarah Babirye Kityo, the former president of the Uganda Netball Federation (UNF), accused of fraudulent accounting in connection with sh186m to travel to the USA.

Kityo, on Friday, May 3, 2024, through her lawyer Joseph Luzige, lodged an application before the Nakasero-based Anti-Corruption Court, presided over by Principal Grade One Magistrate Christopher Opit, to have her passport given to her so that she can travel for a meeting.

Chief State Attorney Nelly Asiku from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions stated that the reasons for the travel—to attend a private meeting—are not justifiable and that it is not beneficial to Uganda.

Asiku told the court that her travel would delay the trial. She also informed the court that investigations are complete and the prosecution is ready to present witnesses.

Luzige stated that the meeting is to handle issues related to a children's foundation that benefits vulnerable children in Uganda. He added that she will also visit her children who live in the USA, whom she has not seen for the past year.

"My client has not been proven guilty, and she is entitled to livelihood and access to her family members. Upon her visit, she will return to this court, and we are ready to prove her innocence," Luzige said.

 Magistrate Opit said that he would deliver the ruling on the application on May 7.

Prosecution’s case

Prosecution alleges that between December and November 2021, at UNF, Kityo and others still at large, with intent to defraud, made or were privy to making false accountability in relation to shillings 186 million released by the National Council of Sports to the federation for Pent Series and the African National Championship in Namibia. Kityo denied the charge.

She was charged with one count of fraudulent false accounting under Section 23 of the Anti-Corruption Act of 2009 as amended. The charge carries a penalty of seven years imprisonment upon conviction, a fine of shillings 3.7 million, or both.

In addition, any person convicted under the Anti-Corruption Act is barred from holding public office for a period of 10 years. She is out on bail pending trial.