Ex-UPPC accountants trial over sh658m loss set for July
"Let the parties file the memorandum prior to the hearing date of July 23, 2025."
Magistrate Mujuni directed both parties to file the memorandum before the hearing. (File photo)
By Edward Anyoli
Journalists @New Vision
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The trial of Uganda Printing and Publishing Corporation (UPPC) former accountants accused of causing a financial loss of shillings 658 million has been fixed for hearing.
On June 10, 2025, Nakasero-based principal grade one magistrate Paul Mujuni scheduled the hearing of the case involving former UPPC accountant John Baptist Ahimbisibwe, certified accountant Christine Mayengo and Aristarco Mujuni Kasekende for July 23, 2025.
The case was fixed after Dr Earnest Twesigye, a supervisor prosecution from the Inspectorate of Government (IG), informed the court that he had reached an agreement with the defence lawyers to file a memorandum of understanding outlining agreed facts that will be used during the trial.
Magistrate Mujuni directed both parties to file the memorandum before the hearing.
"Let the parties file the memorandum prior to the hearing date of July 23, 2025."
According to the prosecution, between May 1, 20\a21, and December 31, 2021, while serving as acting finance and accounting manager at UPPC, Ahimbisibwe allegedly endorsed a payment of shillings 37.5 million, allegedly for a 10-day book exhibition, knowing that his action would result in financial loss.
It is further alleged that Ahimbisibwe and Mayengo, while serving as finance and accounting manager and accountant respectively, approved payment of shillings 110.5 million, claiming it was for a 21-day book exhibition at Hotel Africana, yet they were aware that their actions would cause loss to the government.
Prosecution also stated that Kasekende, while employed as an accountant, authorised payment of sh8.9 million on March 1, 2020, purporting it was for the 12th Annual Higher Education Exhibition, yet he knew that this would cause financial loss.
Additionally, it is alleged that between March 1, 2020, and May 31, 2020, Ahimbisibwe and Kasekende, then serving as finance and accounting manager and accountant respectively, authorised a payment of shillings 27.8 million, purportedly for a management retreat at Mansion Hotel, which did not take place.