Former health ministers acquitted over GAVI funds

By Vision Reporter

TheAnti- Corruption Court Tuesday afternoon acquitted former heath ministers of all charges of accused of mismanaging Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization. .

The three former ministers Jim Muhwezi, Mike Mukula and Dr. Alex Kamugisha were facing different charges connected to the mismanagement of sh1.6b GAVI funds.

Mukula however has a case to answer in connection to embezzlement the judge ruled.

A total of thirteen prosecution witnesses testified saying the three former ministers did nothing wrong as far the procedures of requisitioning for funds   are concerned.

During submission the defence team led by Oscar Kambona asked the Anti- Corruption Court to find no case to answer against the accused.  He said the state had failed to adduce evidence incriminating the accused therefore the court should acquit them.

Kambona said all the eight prosecution witnesses who testified, none of them said   the ministers stole GAVI funds.

The state also dropped charges of theft and causing financial loss against the former ministers, but still maintained charges of abuse of office and embezzlement.

Kambona said as far as the financial management is concerned the three former ministers had no role in approving payment and they should not be held accountable.

Kambona argued that   prosecution had failed to make out a prima facie case against the accused. He based his submission on the evidence by former permanent secretary Mohammed Kezaala who confirm to court that there was no loss of funds.

Sydney Asubo, the director of legal affairs from the Inspectorate of Government (IGG) said the three former ministers usurp the powers of accounting officer and took over his role.

Asubo said the three former ministers gave the impression that their actions were sanctioned by the State House. He submitted that prosecution has made out a prima facie case that requires the accused to defend themselves.

The prosecution alleges that the former ministers ignored the law and regulations governing the disbursement of public funds by taking direct control of the money.