Former MTN manager remanded over sh3.7b

Apr 24, 2013

The anti-corruption court in Kampala has charged and sent an MTN manager to Luzira prison over embezzlement of money worth sh3.7b.

BY JOB BWIRE

The anti-corruption court in Kampala has charged and sent an MTN manager to Luzira prison over embezzlement of money worth sh3.7b.


Richard Mwami, 40, the former business manager/Head of Public Access MTN (Uganda) of Muyenga UDC zone Makindye Division, Kampala was on Tuesday denied bail by anti-corruption court chief magistrate Irene Akankwasa and sent to Luzira prison after he appeared in court over two counts of embezzlement, neglect of duty and another count of conspiracy to defraud MTN. He denied the charges.

Akankwasa however denied Mwami bail even after he presented three substantive sureties citing the gravity of the matter.
 “I hereby deny the accused (Mwami)bail since the matter under which he has appeared before court are serious, involving large sums of money and prosecution says it has completed inquiries,” ruled Akankwasa.

“He will appear before court on May 29 for further mention and fixing of hearing date,” added Akankwasa.

Prosecution led by state attorney Robert Mackay alleges that Mwami, while employed by MTN as a business manager/head of public access together with other MTN employees, Patrick Ssentongo, Joan Nabugwawo and Angela Ayo his co-accused stole sh3.7b which came into their possession by virtue of their employment.

In another count, it was also alleged that Mwami and his co-accused around June 2011 stole sh67m. Prosecution further alleges that the accused while employed by MTN conspired to defraud MTN of money through MTN Fundamo mobile money computer system.
Mwami also allegedly neglected his duty of ensuring that the verification, performance plans and procedures are adhered to in the operations of the Mobile money system.

The offences were committed between May to December 2011 at MTN offices in Kampala.  Prosecution also asked court to issue criminal summons for another former MTN employee, Saudha Nambugo, who is facing similar charges.

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