Court rejects ex-finance manager’s appeal in sh1.9b theft case

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The Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court of Uganda has dismissed an application by the former finance manager of Kisiizi Hospital, who had sought additional time and a lengthy adjournment of his trial in a case involving the alleged theft of sh1.9 billion.

On March 9, 2026, Ronnie Okello Ameri asked the court, presided over by Michael Elubu, to adjourn the case to allow him time to secure a lawyer. However, the court declined the request.

“My Lord, I currently do not have a lawyer. I respectfully request the court to grant me sufficient time to secure legal representation,” Ameri said.

Justice Elubu said the matter had been pending in the system for a considerable period and noted that the accused had been on the run until January 1, 2026, when he was arrested after skipping trial.

Justice Michael Elubu further noted that, while the accused has the right to a fair hearing and legal representation, the court cannot grant indefinite adjournments.

“This matter is adjourned to April 22, 2026, for hearing, and the court will proceed whether the accused has secured a lawyer or not. The accused is advised to obtain legal representation between now and then,” Elubu said.

State attorney Gertrude Apio from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions informed the court that the prosecution was ready to proceed with the hearing of the case.

Apio opposed the application for adjournment, stating that the court had already lost significant time while Ameri absconded from his trial.

It is alleged that Ronnie Okello Ameri, between January 2019 and March 2021, while employed as a finance manager at Church of Uganda Kisiizi Hospital, stole sh1.9 billion belonging to the hospital.

Ameri has denied the charges and is currently on remand after the court cancelled his bail due to absconding from the trial.