The head of petroleum quality assurance at Ministry of Energy, Spero Byokunda has left the judiciary in a state of disbelief after snubbing Court summons and instead chose to go into hiding as his accomplices appeared before City Hall Magistrate on Monday on charges of defrauding a Serbian investor.
The five suspects who were arrested by State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU), they include: George Byomugabe, John Bosco Mugisha, Doreen Mugisha, Frank Kigundu, and Barbra Kyobutungi.
“The accused and others still at large forged contract documents for the supply of solar street light systems purportedly from Ministry of Energy. The forged documents were to be issued to a Serbian investor with the intent to defraud him USD 50M. They have been remanded until 10/11/23,” reads a brief statement from SHACU.
However, Spero Byokunda evaded arrest and has since gone into hiding and remains wanted by SHACU and City Hall Court.
It is alleged that, on 22nd of August this year, Spero Byokunda and his accomplices arranged a meeting with a Serbian investor who wanted to undertake Energy related projects inside ministry’s boardroom at Amber House but he never attended.
But he instructed George Byomugabe to chair the meeting who introduced himself to the investor as Minister of Energy and Mineral Development.
After this meeting, Spero Byokunda demanded the last installment from the investor who later became suspicious, and thought guidance from higher authorities in government.
The investor was then advised him not to pay but instead lure the crooked officials into hands of the authorities.
Security laid traps by advising the investor to invite the conmen to pick $20M from his hotel.
As an old adage goes that a thief has 49 days, the fraudsters became suspicious and declined to pick the $20million, however, they couldn’t survive the long arm of the law as security started head hunting the cartel.
Five, among the corrupt cabal are now sweating plasma behind the thick wall and tall grass of Luzira Prison as Spero remains at large.
“He is being hunted from the nooks and crevice of this country and soon he will be produced in Court to answer charges,” said an official at SHACU.
Spero’s evasion of the law has raised questions about the efficacy of the legal system and the ability of authorities to bring high-profile individuals to justice.
With an extensive manhunt now underway, the focus is on locating and apprehending him to ensure that justice is served and the victim(s) of the alleged scam receive some form of restitution.
The fugitive official couldn’t respond to our WhatsApp tests when reached on his known mobile number.
Meanwhile this is not the first time Spero Byokunda is named in corruption related allegations. In April this year, Spero and his colleague, Reverand Frank Tukwasibwe were ordered by the Inspectorate of Government (IGG) to refund over 70 million which they had obtained through dubious means and causing financial loss to government.
