Businessman charged for rice smuggling

By Barbra Kabahumuza                             

The Anti-Corruption Court has charged businessman Siraji Muwonge Muttanga for smuggling 202 bags of Pakistani rice valued at sh24m.

The Court, presided over by Grade One Magistrate Agnes Alum, heard that the accused on September 6, 2015 at Mityana town council in Mityana district was found in possession of 202 bags of 50kgs each of Pakistan rice which were not taxed by Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).

Muttanga, a resident of Sagala in Rakai district and a father of 9 children, was charged with acquisition and being in possession of unaccustomed goods, contrary to section 200 (d) (iii) of the East African Community customs management act 2004.

However, the Court released the accused on a sh4m cash bail after presenting three substantial sureties despite prayers from the state prosecutor, Lydia Katami not to grant him bail.

“I object to the bail application on grounds that the accused may interfere with the inquiries which are incomplete and state witnesses,” she prayed.

Clad in brown trouser sand a green shirt, Muttanga appeared calm before the magistrate.

The sureties who were bonded at sh30m not cash were Richard Kyegombe; 39, Erias Sengabi, 44, and Abasi Mbalire, 38, all relatives of the accused.

In reply the state’s submission, defence lawyer Hudson Segamwenge asked court for bail on grounds that the accused is the sole bread winner for his family.

He also said that the state had not produced evidence, showing that the accused would interfere with investigations and witnesses.

“No affidavit to that effect has been submitted in court. Therefore prosecution allegations are baseless,” he said.

The court also heard that the accused rights had been violated when he spent four days in custody.

The magistrate adjourned the case to October 13 for mention and to know the status of investigations.