________________________

The Nakasero-based Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala has scheduled a pre-trial date for July 8, 2024, in a case involving the former Uganda Netball Federation (UNF) president.

Sarah Babirye Kityo faces charges of fraudulent accounting related to the misappropriation of shillings 186 million.

On May 30, 2024, principal grade one magistrate Christoper Opit set the pre-trial after the prosecution informed the court that inquiries into the matter were complete. Senior State Attorney Safina Bireke, from the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). stated that the prosecution was prepared to produce witnesses.

The magistrate adjourned the case to July 8, 2024, to allow the state to disclose the documents the prosecution intends to rely on to the defence lawyer.

Prosecution’s case

The prosecution alleges that between December and November 2021, at UNF, Kityo and others still at large, with intent to defraud, made or were privy to making false accountability about shillings 186 million released by the National Council of Sports to the federation for Pent Series and the African National Championship in Namibia. Kityo denied the charge.

She was charged with one count of fraudulent false accounting under Section 23 of the Anti-Corruption Act of 2009 as amended.

The charge carries a penalty of seven years imprisonment upon conviction, a fine of shillings 3.7 million, or both. In addition, any person convicted under the Anti-Corruption Act is barred from holding public office for 10 years. She is out on bail pending trial.