The Principal Veterinary Officer of Lyantonde district, Dr. Ronald Bameka, who is accused of selling government’s animal vaccines, has been released on bail by the Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala.

The Anti-Corruption Court Grade One Magistrate Esther Asiimwe on Friday released Bameka on a cash bail of sh4m, after finding his sureties substantial. The sureties were directed to execute a non-cash bond of sh10m.

Bameka, 46, a resident of Kaliro “A” in Lyantonde district, has since denied the charge of abuse of office.

Under Section 11 (1) of the Anti-Corruption Act, 2009, the offence of abuse of office attracts a maximum sentence of seven-years-imprisonment, on conviction.

The State Attorney, Safina Bereke from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, informed court that investigations into the matter are still ongoing.

“I pray that you adjourn the case to another date to allow police to complete investigations into the matter,” she requested.

Prosecution alleges that Bameka between January 2, and Feburary 5, 2021, in abuse of the authority of his office, mishandled the foot and mouth vaccines which he received for vaccinating farmer’s animals, in contravention of the established procedures for handling such vaccines.

SHACU preliminary investigations indicate that Bameka allegedly sold government’s foot and mouth disease vaccines to farmers of Lyantonde and Kiruhura district.

The case has been adjourned to April 17, 2023 for mention.