CHOGM: Ministers deny case

By Anne Mugisa and Edward Anyoli       
                                                                                                                           
The three cabinet Ministers charged over CHOGM funds have denied causing financial loss of sh14bn to the Government in the Speke Resort Hotel Munyonyo construction works.

The ministers on Tuesday took plea for the first time before the Court since their indictment last year. Foreign Affairs minister, Sam Kutesa, of General Duties Eng. John Nasasira and of Labour, Mwesigwa Rukutana are charged with abuse of office and causing financial loss to the Government. Their trial is being conducted by the head of the Anti-Corruption Court, Justice Paul Mugamba.

The Chief Magistrate under the Anti-Corruption Court division Irene Akankwasa recently committed the trio the High Court for trial.

They are represented by City lawyers; Dr. Joseph Byamugisha, Didas Nkurunziza, Oscar Kambona, Edwin Karugire and Ahmed Kalule. The prosecution is being conducted on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions by the Director of Legal Affairs Sydney Asubo from the Inspector General of Government.

The Ministers are charged with abuse of office and causing government a loss of sh14bn. They are said to have committed the funds to the construction of the driveways, parking areas and the marina at Speke Resort Munyonyo.

The hotel was being prepared to accommodate and the Commonwealth Heads of State and Government and to host the CHOGM meeting itself.