High Court blocks Masiko prosecution
Jan 07, 2009
THE High Court in Kampala has halted proceedings relating to mismanaging the Global Fund against Rugungiri Woman MP Winfred Masiko.
By Edward Anyoli
THE High Court in Kampala has halted proceedings relating to mismanaging the Global Fund against Rugungiri Woman MP Winfred Masiko.
Justice Kibuuka Musoke yesterday directed that all court proceedings against Masiko be stayed until the court hears an application challenging her prosecution.
“This leave is to act as a stay for all actions and processes relating to this matter, until the application is heard and determined,†Justice Musoke ruled.
Masiko, who is the executive director of the Rugungiri Development Association (RUGADA), was accused of embezzling sh130m from the fund.
The association entered into a contract with the Uganda Government in 2004 to act as a lead agency in the fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria in Rukungiri, Kanungu, Kabale, and Kisoro districts. Prosecution alleges that Masiko mismanaged the funds.
Justice Musoke allowed Masiko’s lawyer to file the application challenging her prosecution. She was given 14 days to file the appeal.
Through her lawyer Geoffrey Kandeebe, Masiko is also challenging the Buganda Road Court’s jurisdiction to charge her.
Masiko, who has skipped court several times since October last year, is jointly charged with Perez Tumwine Rubashaija, Boaz Tumuhibisi and Andrew Musiime, employees of the association.
THE High Court in Kampala has halted proceedings relating to mismanaging the Global Fund against Rugungiri Woman MP Winfred Masiko.
Justice Kibuuka Musoke yesterday directed that all court proceedings against Masiko be stayed until the court hears an application challenging her prosecution.
“This leave is to act as a stay for all actions and processes relating to this matter, until the application is heard and determined,†Justice Musoke ruled.
Masiko, who is the executive director of the Rugungiri Development Association (RUGADA), was accused of embezzling sh130m from the fund.
The association entered into a contract with the Uganda Government in 2004 to act as a lead agency in the fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria in Rukungiri, Kanungu, Kabale, and Kisoro districts. Prosecution alleges that Masiko mismanaged the funds.
Justice Musoke allowed Masiko’s lawyer to file the application challenging her prosecution. She was given 14 days to file the appeal.
Through her lawyer Geoffrey Kandeebe, Masiko is also challenging the Buganda Road Court’s jurisdiction to charge her.
Masiko, who has skipped court several times since October last year, is jointly charged with Perez Tumwine Rubashaija, Boaz Tumuhibisi and Andrew Musiime, employees of the association.