Odele warned over delaying sh1.5b embezzlement case

Court has warned former finance manager of African Centre for Global Health and Social Transformation (ACHEST), accused of embezzling sh1.5b for derailing a case against him.

Justice Margaret Tibulya of the Anti-Corruption Court warned Patrick Odele of deliberately delaying his trial.

"This is the last adjournment, if the accused does bring his witness he will be asked to close his case," Tibulya said.

Odele who was scheduled to defend himself against embezzlement charges and forgery told court that his lawyer Aaron Kizza was absent. He said he could not defend himself without his lawyer's guidance

He was charged with 103 different offences in which he is accused of forging documents and embezzling more than a sh1.5b.

He has been on remand in Luzira Prison since March 24, 2013 after court declined to grant him bail on premise that he would abscond his trial.

Prosecution led by senior state attorney Josephine Namatovu from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) said Odele between May 2009 and August 2011 at Bank of Baroda being employed by ACHEST as finance manager received money and never remitted Pay As You Earn (PAYE) to Uganda Revenue Authority which he had access to by virtue of his employment.

Odele is also alleged to have stolen money which prosecution said he fraudulently withdrew from ACHEST's account in Bank of Baroda and failed to remit as National Social Security Fund (NSSF) as required.

Prosecution alleges that Odele with intent to fraud, forged several cheques claiming to have been signed by Prof. Francis Omaswa authorising the withdrawal.

However, Omaswa, the executive director of ACHEST, who testified as the first prosecution witness, denied authorising such cheques.

Odele is also accused of uttering fake cheques to Bank of Baroda purporting that it was authorised by Omaswa and withdrew money.

Prosecution said Odele withdrew the cash amounting over sh1,527,940,933 on different dates and gave the impression that the money had been remitted to URA and NSSF, but investigations later revealed that the money withdrawn between May 2009 and August 2011 was not remitted.

ACHEST is a civil society organization based in Uganda that was created by African leaders in health and development. It advocates for the use of evidence to strengthen the capacity of health.