Ministry senior accountant’s trial over sh1.5b financial loss set for May

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The Anti-Corruption Court in Nakasero has scheduled a hearing in a case in which a senior accountant from the Ministry of Finance, along with two others, is accused of causing a financial loss of sh1.5 billion to the government.

On March 17, 2026, Grade One Magistrate Esther Asiimwe fixed the hearing for May 17, 2026.

The accused are senior accountant John Wabwire, principal human resource officer Rebecca Kwagala and chief finance officer Godfrey Mutome.“This case has been fixed for hearing on May 17, 2027,” Asiimwe said.

It is alleged that they caused the financial loss by disguising sh1.5 billion as funds meant for pensions.

Prosecution states that between October 2014 and July 2022, at Kaliro District Local Government, while employed as chief finance officer and accountant respectively, Wabwire, Kwagala and Mutome allegedly disguised sh1.5 billion, falsely claiming it was meant for pensions.

The prosecution, led by the Inspectorate of Government (IGG), further alleges that the accused knew their actions would result in a loss to the government. The accused have denied the charges and are currently out on bail.

What the law stipulates

Under Section 20 of the Anti-Corruption Act, the offence of causing financial loss carries a penalty of up to 14 years’ imprisonment, a fine not exceeding sh6.7 million, or both.

Additionally, any person convicted under the Act is barred from holding public office for 10 years.