Birimumaaso Sent To Prison

Aug 27, 2002

LT Mulindwa Birimumaaso, the Bukoto West MP, was yesterday jailed for one yearin in Luzira Prison. He loses his parliamentary seat.

By Hillary Kiirya LT Mulindwa Birimumaaso, the Bukoto West MP, was yesterday jailed for one yearin in Luzira Prison. He loses his parliamentary seat.Buganda Road Court chief magistrate Frank Othembi said Birimumaaso, the then Movement director of Mass Mobilisation in charge of women, youth and interest groups, diverted sh24m meant for Bundibugyo war victims. Immediately after the sentence, Birimumaaso was whisked away from the dock through the cells to the waiting room to start life in Luzira prison.Othembi said the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt that Birimumaaso committed the offence.Othembi also ordered for the refund of sh500,000 Birimumaaso had paid as bail fee.“I find that prosecution has proved that the accused was employed by the Government, did an arbitrary and prejudicial act by diverting the money and acted directly in abuse of office. I accordingly convict him.”He said Birimumaaso requisitioned for the money and used it for personal gain.He said Birimumaaso offered to account for the money to the Auditor General but failed to satisfy accounting officer Luke Mukiibi and the then permanent secretary, Mohammed Kezzala.“Evidence was adduced that the then National Political Commissar, James Wapakhabulo, wrote to the accused asking him to account for the money but he refused.“Even the then Movement chairman in Bundibugyo, Edward Ndyanabo, said there was no mobilisation done in Bundibugyo,” said Othembi. Othembi said Birimumaaso requisitioned for sh48m but only sh24m was used for fuelling about 53 unofficial vehicles at Shell Capital, Kampala.In mitigation, Birimumaaso said, “I dully accept the judgement. If any opportunity was given to the court to look at the way I was appointed, I did what I did for the suffering people. I would still do what I did.” Birimumaaso is free to appeal.Ends

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