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The trial of two directors of Threeways Shipping Services accused of theft of sh9.5b from MTN Uganda is scheduled to resume on Monday, December 11. 

The Nakasero–based Anti-Corruption Court, presided over by Justice Lawrence Gidudu, last month adjourned the case to December 11, for submission by both the prosecution and defence.

Oscar Baitwa and Geoffrey Bihamaiso are accused of stealing sh9.5bn belonging to MTN Uganda Limited, between 2009 and 2012, which allegedly arose from shipping goods on behalf of MTN.

In the alternative charge, the prosecution said the accused, with intent to defraud, obtained sh9.5b from MTN Uganda by false pretence.

In another count, the prosecution alleges that the accused conspired to steal sh9.5bn from MTN Uganda. The accused denied the charges and the burden to prove the case lies with the prosecution.

Initially, former MTN employees — accountants John Paul Basabose and Naphtali Were — were charged alongside Baitwa and Bihamaiso before the same court, but Basabose pleaded guilty through a plea bargain.

He agreed with the Director of Public Prosecutions and refunded some money to MTN, and charges against him were subsequently dropped. Were has since passed on.

The DPP also discontinued proceedings against two other employees of Threeways Shipping Services; chief finance officer Waiswa Kafuuko and logistics officer Faridah Senkumba.

Charges against directors Baitwa and Bihamaiso have been maintained.

During the hearing, both sides are expected to make oral submissions whether the accused persons have a case to answer or not in relation to the charges.

Chief state attorneys Abigail Agaba and Gloria Inzikuru are prosecuting the case while Henry Kyarimpa and Yusuf Nuwamanya are defending the accused persons.

Upon conclusion of the submission, the court will rule whether the accused should defend themselves or not.