Assessor absence delays sh981m embezzlement trial
“I am adjourning this matter because one of the assessors is not here and the law requires that there must be a minimum of two assessors,” Kajuga said. Assessors are lay members of the public selected to assist the court by giving their opinions on the evidence after hearing a case.
Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga (Pictured) adjourned the hearing on September 22, 2026, after one of the assessors, Martin Ofwono, failed to appear in court
KAMPALA - The Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court has adjourned the hearing of a case against a former accountant of Amstus Polymer Packing Company Limited, who is accused of embezzling sh981 million from the company.
Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga adjourned the hearing on September 22, 2026, after one of the assessors, Martin Ofwono, failed to appear in court
The case involves former accountant Jacob Pascal Owematum and businessman Moses Komakech Tookema, who are facing separate charges arising from the alleged embezzlement and handling of proceeds of crime.
“I am adjourning this matter because one of the assessors is not here and the law requires that there must be a minimum of two assessors,” Kajuga said.
Assessors are lay members of the public selected to assist the court by giving their opinions on the evidence after hearing a case.
Prosecution’s case
The prosecution alleges that Owematum, a resident of Gwafu village, Seeta, Mukono district, stole sh981 million belonging to his employer while working as an accountant at Amstus Polymer Packing Company Limited.
According to the charge, Owematum allegedly received the money through his personal Centenary Bank account, number 3200859470, at the Kumu District branch.
In the second count, Komakech is accused of intentionally concealing the source of sh15 million, which the prosecution alleges was fraudulently obtained from Owematum between December 2023 and April 2024 in Wakiso district.
The two accused denied the charges.
Amstus Polymer Packing Company Limited operates in the plastics and packaging industry, focusing on packaging solutions. The company also imports raw materials and industrial supplies.
Komakech is on remand at Luzira Prison, while Owematum is out on bail. His bail was extended to October 13, 2026, when the case will come up for hearing.
What the law says
The offence of embezzlement attracts a jail term of up to 14 years, a fine not exceeding sh6.7 million, or both. In addition, a person convicted under the Anti-Corruption Act is barred from holding public office for 10 years.
Under Sections 3(b) and 136(1)(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2013, a person convicted of an offence under the Act is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 15 years, a fine not exceeding sh2 billion, or both.