Driver charged, remanded over sh208m refurbished goods
Oct 24, 2024
On October 23, 2024, Abdul Ssekubwa appeared before the Nakasero-based Anti-Corruption Court, where he was formally charged. He was charged before senior principal grade one magistrate Albert Asiimwe.
Abudul Ssekubwa, a 40-year-old Ugandan driver at Busia Boarder appearing at the Anti-corruption court in Kampala to answer to three counts including possession of prohibited goods, possession of uncustomed goods and conveyance of prohibited and uncustomed goods. (Photo by Lawrence Mulondo)
Edward Anyoli
Journalist @New Vision
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A driver has been charged with the illegal possession of refurbished computers, tablets, phones, and other electronics with a total value of shillings 208 million.
On October 23, 2024, Abdul Ssekubwa appeared before the Nakasero-based Anti-Corruption Court, where he was formally charged. He was charged before senior principal grade one magistrate Albert Asiimwe.
Ssekubwa, 43, a resident of Namawobe A, Busia town, was charged with two counts of possession of prohibited goods, contrary to Section 200(d)(i) of the East African Community Customs Management Act, 2004.
The prosecution, led by acting manager of prosecution Stuart Aheebwa, stated that on October 15, 2024, Abdul Ssekubwa was found in possession of prohibited goods along the Mbale-Soroti road. These goods included 45 used laptops with a dutiable value of shillings 12 million. The prosecution argued that Ssekubwa knew that the items are prohibited under the law.
It is further alleged that Ssekubwa was found in possession of 4,072 phone screens, 151 used smartphones, 50 new smartphones, 24 new tablet screens, 6 new tablets, 675 screen guards, 16 new laptops, 55 laptop spare parts, 1,890 phone engines, 360 Type-C phone chargers, 350 phone card readers, 500 phone charging ports, among other items, all valued at shillings 195 million.
According to court records, it is alleged that Ssekubwa, while in charge of motor vehicle number UAL 582F, a Toyota Prado TX, allegedly used it to transport uncustomed goods. He denied the charges and was remanded to Luzira Prison until October 30, 2024, when his bail application is scheduled to be heard.
The presiding magistrate Asiimwe explained to the lawyer that he could not hear the bail application immediately due to another urgent matter.
Prosecutor Stuart Aheebwa informed the court that investigations are ongoing and requested more time for the Police to conclude inquiries.
The magistrate advised John Wandera, Ssekubwa's lawyer, to ensure that all necessary documents are prepared and that credible sureties are presented at the bail hearing to enable his client’s chances of being granted bail.