Byakutaga To Testify Over Army Graft
CAPTAIN Dan Byakutaga, the paymaster for the DR Congo-based UPDF troops who allegedly vanished with over sh1.6b about two years ago, has resurfaced and is willing to return to Uganda to testify on the financial scam that rocked the country.
By Grace Matsiko
CAPTAIN Dan Byakutaga, the paymaster for the DR Congo-based UPDF troops who allegedly vanished with over sh1.6b about two years ago, has resurfaced and is willing to return to Uganda to testify on the financial scam that rocked the country. Security agencies have been negotiating with Byakutaga from his hideout in the United States and reportedly assured him of protection once he returns, sources said.
Byakutaga, 43, allegedly vanished with US$1,055,555 (about sh1.6b then) meant for salaries of the troops deployed in the Congo. An embezzlement case was opened against him and an international warrant of arrest issued. A Buganda Road Court magistrate later dropped the court case, saying the state was disinterested.
“Our people have finally linked up with him.
“He says he is ready to come back as long as he is protected,†the source said.
“He has assured us of cooperation once he is here. He says he is ready to tell Ugandans what happened to the soldiers’ money,†the source added.
But army spokesman, Maj. Shaban Bantariza said he was not aware the UPDF had contacted Byakutaga. He said the army was still looking for him.
Intelligence sources yesterday said Byakutaga last December travelled to the Kenyan capital Nairobi over the Christmas holidays to meet a family member.
He reportedly spent five days in Nairobi before flying back to the US.
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CAPTAIN Dan Byakutaga, the paymaster for the DR Congo-based UPDF troops who allegedly vanished with over sh1.6b about two years ago, has resurfaced and is willing to return to Uganda to testify on the financial scam that rocked the country. Security agencies have been negotiating with Byakutaga from his hideout in the United States and reportedly assured him of protection once he returns, sources said.
Byakutaga, 43, allegedly vanished with US$1,055,555 (about sh1.6b then) meant for salaries of the troops deployed in the Congo. An embezzlement case was opened against him and an international warrant of arrest issued. A Buganda Road Court magistrate later dropped the court case, saying the state was disinterested.
“Our people have finally linked up with him.
“He says he is ready to come back as long as he is protected,†the source said.
“He has assured us of cooperation once he is here. He says he is ready to tell Ugandans what happened to the soldiers’ money,†the source added.
But army spokesman, Maj. Shaban Bantariza said he was not aware the UPDF had contacted Byakutaga. He said the army was still looking for him.
Intelligence sources yesterday said Byakutaga last December travelled to the Kenyan capital Nairobi over the Christmas holidays to meet a family member.
He reportedly spent five days in Nairobi before flying back to the US.
Ends