Arua state attorney jailed over sh400, 000 bribes

Mar 01, 2016

Court found Edward Bamulutira guilty of corruptly soliciting and receiving gratification from an accused from Arua Chief Magistrates’ Court.



A state attorney at Arua regional office of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), has been convicted and sentenced to one year imprisonment for receiving a sh400,000 bribe.

The Anti-Corruption Court presided over by Grade One Magistrate Rachael Nakyazze read out the judgement on behalf of her colleague, magistrate Susanne Okeny.

Court found Edward Bamulutira guilty of corruptly soliciting and receiving gratification from an accused from Arua Chief Magistrates' Court.

Bamulutira was sentenced to a fine of sh200, 000 and also ordered to refund sh400, 000 to IGG in addition to serving one year imprisonment.

Prosecution led by state attorney Robert Opiya from the Inspectorate of Government said Bamulutira solicited and received the money from Moses Anguyo as an inducement so as he could help him release his brother Mustafa Etoma on bail in a case of criminal trespass.

Nakyazze said prosecution has proved beyond reasonable doubt that Bamulutira solicited and received the money.

"He was a state attorney bestowed with the duty of ensuring that justice is served but went ahead to exploit the ignorance of the ordinary person in order to solicit for gratification," Nakyazze said.

Court heard that in May2012 while in Arua district after soliciting for sh400, 000 the matter was reported to IGG and a trap was laid for Bamulutira and subsequently he was arrested at his home in Arua after receiving the money.

Under section 26 of the Anti- Corruption Act any person found guilty of soliciting and receiving gratification is liable to a maximum sentence of not exceeding 10 years imprisonment or a fine of sh4.8m or both upon conviction.

Prosecution said after receiving the money, Bamulutira dashed to his house and locked himself inside one of the rooms to evade arrest.

"The accused's door was locked, when the accused did not respond, it was agreed that the door be broken," Nakyazze said.

Bamulutira however denied the accusation saying he has never received any money from Anguyo.

He said the accusation against him was concocted by his colleagues to simply tarnish his name.

Jude Byamukama who represented Bamulutira asked court for lenient sentence saying he is a first offender and has been remorseful throughout the trial.

Prosecution presented evidence in court detailing how Bamulutira met Anguyo at his home in Arua and promised to secure bail for his brother in case gave him sh400,000.

The principal Judge Yorokamu Bamwine recently warned judicial officers to desist from corrupt tendencies saying it compromises the integrity of the judiciary.

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