The Nakasero-based Anti-Corruption Court has issued a warrant of arrest for the former Uganda Printing and Publishing Corporation (UPPC) director over allegations of causing a financial loss of shillings 2.2 billion.

Principal Grade One Magistrate Christopher Opit issued the warrant on February 20, 2024, directing the arrest and production of Prof. Tom Davis Wasswa in court.

Chief State Attorney Gloria Inzikuru from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) informed the court that Wasswa had absconded his trial.

"Your worship, the accused person has absconded his trial, prosecution prays for a warrant of arrest," Inzikuru said.

According to the prosecution, efforts to trace Wasswa have been unsuccessful since last year, and there has been no communication from him.

The allegations stem from a contract between UPPC and the Electoral Commission (EC) between 2019 and 2020 to print and publish polling materials for the display of the national voters' register for the general elections.

However, prosecution alleges that part of the money transferred by the EC, totalling to shillings 15 billion was misappropriated, with shillings 2.2 billion remaining unaccounted for by UPPC.

Magistrate Opit directed that any Police officer is mandated to arrest Wasswa and produce him in court.

"In light of the circumstances, a warrant of arrest is hereby issued for the accused person," Magistrate Opit said.