Akankwasa trial pushed to June 18

By Michael Odeng

KAMPALA - The trial of former National Forest Authority (NFA) boss Damian Akankwasa flopped on Tuesday at the Anti-corruption Court because he was reported sick.

Anthony Ahibizibwe, the lawyer representing Akankwasa, told the trial magistrate Michael Lagara that the accused was unable to attend his trial because he is sick, but he did not mention what Akankwasa was suffering from.

“We are not ready to start today because my client is still sick and he is on bed rest,” he added.

The trial magistrate then adjourned the case until June 18, 2013 for further hearing.

Akankwasa, who failed to show up in court, is facing charges of abuse of office and causing financial loss worth sh2b to the authority and government. He denied the charges.

According to prosecution, the accused, while still the director of the National Forestry Authority between June and July 2009, abused his office.

Akankwasa is also accused of depositing 40,000 cubic meters of eucalyptus trees at Lendu Central Forest Reserve to Nile Plywood Uganda at a price of sh46,000 per tree, instead of the set price of sh65,000 for each tree.

He faces another count of causing financial loss of Sh2b to the forestry body.

The loss is alleged to have resulted from Akankwasa awarding more than 100,000 cubic meters of round wood from Katugo Central Forest Reserve to Nile Plywood Uganda for harvest at sh62,500 each instead of sh82,500.