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The trial of city lawyers and bankers in a case where Tropical Bank Limited lost sh2b has been scheduled for hearing.

The Nakasero-based Anti-Corruption Court presided over by Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga on May 6, 2024, fixed a hearing of a case involving lawyer Musa Lukungu on June 20 and 21 this year.

Lukungu was charged alongside bankers Hajjara Nansubuga, Faridah Nasiiwa, and Deborah Acen, along with another lawyer, Paul Kiggundu, Kenneth Ssebagayuga, and businessman Muzafalu Kamoga Lukanika.

Justice Kajuga set the trial date after senior state attorney Getrude Apio at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) informed the court that the prosecution was ready to resume the trial.

The trial had been halted after Lukungu filed a case in the Constitutional Court alleging that he had been tortured.

Lukungu claims that he was tortured in police custody during investigations and asked the court to dismiss the case. However, he withdrew the application.

Prosecution’s case

They are facing charges of causing financial loss and conspiring to defraud the bank.

Prosecution alleged that Lukungu and others conspired in 2021 to defraud Tropical Bank Limited of billions of shillings, which was allegedly paid to Margaret Nabona as an administrator of the estate of Elmbrabet Abdurezzagh. The accused denied the charges and are out on bail.

What the law says

The offence of causing financial loss carries a 14-year jail sentence or a fine not exceeding sh7.2m, or both. Additionally, a person who is convicted under this Act is barred from holding public office for a period of ten years.

Section 390 of the Penal Code Act stipulates that a person who conspires with another to commit an offence of conspiracy to defraud is liable, on conviction, to seven years in jail.