Police ordered to speed up investigations into BOU case

Court has ordered the Police to speed up investigations into Bank of Uganda (BOU) case involving three of its officials charged with abuse of office in connection with unauthorised cargo.

The three BoU employees Francis Kakeeto, Fred Wanyama and Charles Malinga were last month charged with abuse of office and corruption before the Anti-Corruption Court in Kololo, Kampala. They denied the charges.

Magistrate Albert Asiimwe on Friday directed the prosecution to ensure that the Police expeditiously conclude inquiries. Court also directed the prosecution to establish the whereabouts of the accused's phones that were reportedly confiscated during interrogations.

"I am mindful of the need for the prosecution to conduct investigations if they feel the phones have important information that can lead to the prosecution of the case properly. However, such investigations need not take long to deprive the accused of the right to access information. The prosecution is asked to proceed with the inquiry as quickly as possible because justice delayed, justice denied," Asiimwe said.

The court made the directives after Kyazze Ssemogerere, one of the lawyers representing the accused complained to the court that the Police have refused to return the accused's phones.

Prosecution led by Carol Tabaro from the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DDP) said the Police are still investigating the case and asked the court for more time to allow Police to conclude investigations. The case was adjourned to August 28, pending further investigations.

The case is being investigated by State House Anti-Corruption Unit team, headed by Lt Col Edith Nakalema.

Charges

On the count of abuse of office, it is alleged that the duo, on April 29, 2019, between France, Germany and Entebbe Airport, while on official assignment to conduct a pre-shipment inspection of printed material in France, did an arbitrary act prejudicial to the interest of their employer. 

The prosecution said the accused allegedly allowed the inclusion of unauthorised cargo on a cargo plane chartered by the Bank of Uganda.

In the alternative charged prosecution said on the same day, the accused between the same places, while on assignment, corruptly neglected to perform their duty when they failed to report the inclusion of unauthorised cargo on a plane fully charted by the central bank.

It is alleged that the unauthorised cargo has been linked to other private individuals.

Uganda Revenue Authority and other agencies are also being investigated over the alleged cargo.