Forestry boss arrested over sh3b
THE suspended executive director of the National Forestry Authority(NFA), Damian Akankwasa, has been arrested for allegedly defrauding the Government of $1, 612171(about sh 3.2b).
By edward anyoli
Akankwasa was picked from his home in Naguru, Kampala by Police detectives attached to the IGG’s office. He was scheduled to appear in court.
Buganda Road Court Magistrate Francis Matenga on Thursday issued criminal summons for Akankwasa and Molly Kyepaka Karuhanga, the legal officer of NFA, to appear in court on April 1 to answer charges of abuse of office.
Akankwasa is accused of abusing his office by allowing the forestry body to enter a consent judgment in which court awarded sh3.2b to Beachside Development Limited in damages.
Beachside sued NFA in 2009 for a breach of contract where it had an agreement to develop Kyewagwa Forest Reserve in Entebbe.
Beachside was later stopped by NFA from developing the forest reserve, which prompted them to sue.
Justice Mulagira awarded Beachside damages, which the Inspectorate of Government contested, arguing it was irregular payment.
Senior Principal State Attorney Sydney Asubo said Akankwansa and Kyepaka went against the interests of NFA to enter into consent judgment which caused loss to the Government.
IGG Raphael Baku stopped the payment, until controversy surrounding the case is settled.
Akankwasa came into limelight in August last year when he accused his wife, Juliet, of stealing sh900m from their bedroom in Naguru.
President Museveni suspended him and asked the IGG to investigate the source of the money allegedly stolen from Akankwasa’ home.
Akankwasa was picked from his home in Naguru, Kampala by Police detectives attached to the IGG’s office. He was scheduled to appear in court.
Buganda Road Court Magistrate Francis Matenga on Thursday issued criminal summons for Akankwasa and Molly Kyepaka Karuhanga, the legal officer of NFA, to appear in court on April 1 to answer charges of abuse of office.
Akankwasa is accused of abusing his office by allowing the forestry body to enter a consent judgment in which court awarded sh3.2b to Beachside Development Limited in damages.
Beachside sued NFA in 2009 for a breach of contract where it had an agreement to develop Kyewagwa Forest Reserve in Entebbe.
Beachside was later stopped by NFA from developing the forest reserve, which prompted them to sue.
Justice Mulagira awarded Beachside damages, which the Inspectorate of Government contested, arguing it was irregular payment.
Senior Principal State Attorney Sydney Asubo said Akankwansa and Kyepaka went against the interests of NFA to enter into consent judgment which caused loss to the Government.
IGG Raphael Baku stopped the payment, until controversy surrounding the case is settled.
Akankwasa came into limelight in August last year when he accused his wife, Juliet, of stealing sh900m from their bedroom in Naguru.
President Museveni suspended him and asked the IGG to investigate the source of the money allegedly stolen from Akankwasa’ home.