Kampala’s High Court has issued a temporary halt to the corruption trial involving Geraldine Ssali, former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Trade, and five others, including three Members of Parliament.
The decision follows concerns over human rights violations that where filed by MP Paul Akamba (Busiki County). Mr. Akamba alleges severe human rights violations in his application, including being abducted from court premises on June 14, 2024, despite being granted bail.
He claims state agents, disguised in plainclothes and wielding assault weapons and pistols, took him into custody. For seven days, he was held incommunicado in an undisclosed location, subjected to torture and cruel treatment.
Akamba asserts that the Attorney General in his unlawful re-arrest. He now seeks a nullification of his trial, citing these egregious human rights abuses.
The other accused individuals are Michael Mawanda (Igara East), Ignatius Mudimi Wamakuyu (Elgon County), lawyer Julius Taitankoko Kirya, and Leonard Kavundira, the principal cooperative officer from the Ministry of Trade.
Justice Jane Kajuga Akuo stopped the trial after Akamba filed an application alleging human rights violations by the Attorney General, which must be addressed before proceeding. “The law is clear; I have no option but to stay the trial,” Justice Kajunga ruled, adjourning the matter until November 25.
Ssali and the co-accused face charges of abuse of office, causing financial loss, and conspiracy, with allegations including:
- Irregular Compensation: Ssali introduced Buyaka Growers Co-operative Society Ltd for government compensation without proper listing.
- Irregular Payments: Ssali made payments exceeding Shs 3.8 billion to Kirya and Company Advocates, violating Treasury instructions.
- Conspiracy: Ssali allegedly conspired with MPs and officials to defraud the government of Shs 3.4 billion intended for war victims.
The accused have been granted bail. The trial’s resumption awaits the determination of Akamba’s human rights application.