The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) has come out to explain circumstances under which Equal Opportunity Commission (EOC) Chairperson Sylvia Ntambi appeared at the offices a move perceived as an attempt to elude justice.
On three occasions Ms Ntambi has failed to honour summons to answer corruption charges at Anti-Corruption Court.
Court was lenient enough to extend the summons to Thursday (tomorrow) and arrest warrant would be issued in case she snubs court for the fourth time.
However, in a latest maneuver that has been seen as another attempt to evade justice, Ntambi on Wednesday afternoon appeared at the DPP’s office and held a closed door meeting with the officials.
Her appearance generated suspicion among the members of the public as to whether she was pulling another clandestine move to skip court.
Speaking to this website shortly after Ms Ntambi’s appearance, the DPP’s spokesperson Jackline Okwi said the office of the DPP is open to all members of the public including suspects.
“The complaints mechanism of the Office permits complaints from all members of the public including those suspected of committing crime,” said Okwi.
Asked what was the subject of the meeting, Okwi said Ntambi was following up the progress of her complaint which she lodged 2 weeks ago.
“The complaint is being looked into like any other complaint,” added Okwi.
Pressed on for details of the complaint, Okwi declined saying it’s confidential.
On whether her appearance at DPP’s office will not influence the court process and since it has already raised suspicion, Okwi assured this website that Ntambi must appear in Court tomorrow.
“She is still expected to appear in court.”
Ntambi previous snubbed court on grounds that she was ill and admitted to Medik Hospital in Kawempe which was untrue.
The judge however extended her summons to October 29 (tomorrow). Should she fail to show up, court will issue a warrant of arrest and any police officer can arrest her on sight and bring her before the Kololo-based Anti Corruption court.
“I will give her a benefit of doubt and give her the last chance and should she fail to come next time (tomorrow), a warrant of arrest will be issued. Criminal summons are extended for the very last time for October 29 at 9am,” Anti-Corruption Chief Magistrate Pamella Lamunu-Ocaya warned on October 7.
Ntambi is accused of negligence of duty that led to gross mismanagement of the commission’s funds.
She is indicted alongside, other nine members of the commission who have since been charged and are out on bail.
According to the amended charge sheet, the 10 commission officials are facing 25 corruption related charges.
They range from; causing financial loss, conspiracy to defraud, embezzlement, corruption, abuse of office.
Under count 12, Ms Ntambi alongside Ms Kamahoro and Mr Mpitsi, between January 6, 2019 and April 30, 2019, allegedly conspired to defraud government of over Shs9m.
