Three Iganga Technical Institute staff remanded over sh983m fraud case

 ________________

Three officials from Iganga district Technical Institute have been remanded to prison over the alleged embezzlement of sh983 million.

The trio was arraigned before the Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala, presided over by Principal Grade One Magistrate Christopher Opit, and charged with embezzlement, abuse of office, and conspiracy to defraud.

David Eliachu, a principal officer, Benedict Wabwire, the deputy of the institute, and senior accountant Damali Ajuna have been remanded until March 30, 2026, to allow the State to verify documents presented by their sureties.

The trio was remanded by Magistrate Opit after Senior State Attorney Viola Tusingwire, after the team from the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), requested more time to verify the authenticity of the documents submitted in support of their bail application.

Prosecution alleges that the accused, in their respective capacities as principal, deputy principal, and accountant of the institute, misappropriated sh983 million belonging to the government.

It is further alleged that the accused committed an arbitrary act prejudicial to the interests of the institute by transferring a total of sh983 million from the institute’s account in Stanbic Bank to an account belonging to Baasam General Merchandise and Supplies Limited in Centenary Bank, Kawuku Branch in Iganga district.

Prosecution contends that the transaction was disguised as payment for the purchase of food, yet it was carried out without following the required procurement procedures. They denied the charges.

Senior State Attorney Viola Tusingwire informed the court that inquiries into the matter are still ongoing and requested more time to enable her to update the court on the status of investigations.