KAMPALA — The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has disclosed all the evidence it intends to rely on in the trial of former Ministry of Trade permanent secretary Geraldine Ssali and five co-accused facing charges related to the alleged mismanagement of Shs3.8 billion earmarked for co-operatives.
The disclosures were made in compliance with a directive issued by Anti-Corruption Division Judge Jane Okuo Kajuga, who ordered the prosecution to furnish the defence with all evidence by June 26 ahead of the trial.
According to court records, the prosecution, led by Chief State Attorney Edward Muhumuza, filed proof of disclosure through the Electronic Court Case Management System.
Ms Ssali is jointly charged with lawyer Julius Kirya, Igara East MP Michael Mawanda Muranga, Elgon County MP Ignatius Wamakuyu Mudiimi, Busiki County MP Paul Akamba, and Leonard Kavundira, the Principal Co-operative Officer at the Ministry of Trade.
Counsel for Ms Ssali, Mr John Isabirye, confirmed receipt of the prosecution’s disclosures, saying they largely comprise witness statements from more than six witnesses expected to testify during the hearing.
Justice Kajuga has scheduled five days beginning September 9, 2026, for the preliminary hearing and commencement of the trial.
Meanwhile, a court source said the court registrar, Patrick Talisuna, has identified two prospective assessors for vetting and appointment following the death of one of the assessors previously assigned to the case.
Under Uganda’s criminal justice system, three assessors sit alongside the trial judge and provide opinions before judgment is delivered, although their recommendations are not binding on the court.
Allegations
The prosecution alleges that the accused persons played different roles in the irregular processing and payment of public funds under government programmes administered through the Office of the Prime Minister.
At the centre of the case is the payment of Shs3.8 billion to Buyaka Growers Cooperative Society in Bulambuli District, which the State contends was irregularly approved and disbursed.
According to the prosecution, Ms Ssali, while serving as the ministry’s accounting officer, authorised the inclusion of the cooperative on a compensation list despite it allegedly not appearing in the approved supplementary budget.
She is also accused of approving payments to Kirya & Co. Advocates in contravention of Treasury procedures, actions the State says resulted in financial loss to the government.
Prosecutors further allege that between 2019 and 2023, the accused conspired to defraud the government of approximately Shs3.4 billion.
The State alleges that Mr Mawanda received Shs1 billion purportedly to clear debts owed by cooperatives, in addition to Shs200 million linked to a legal settlement. Mr Kavundira is accused of influencing internal decisions within the ministry, including changes to the government’s legal representation.
All the accused have denied the charges.
Earlier delay
The proceedings were previously delayed after Busiki County MP Paul Akamba petitioned the Constitutional Court, alleging that he was subjected to torture during his arrest.
The Constitutional Court is yet to determine the petition, while the criminal trial is expected to proceed before the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court.