A former official from the Bank of Uganda, Charles Kasede Ochieng, has been handed a three-year prison sentence after being convicted of theft.
The former currency operations staff member was found guilty of illegally removing old banknotes designated for destruction.
Surveillance footage presented in court revealed Ochieng taking currency bundles from the bank’s currency storage area, which confirmed his breach of official duty.
The theft came to light during a routine audit at the Bank of Uganda, which raised questions about missing old banknotes. Further investigation found discrepancies in the records for currency marked for destruction, leading to the review of CCTV footage.
The footage, a critical piece of evidence, showed Ochieng taking currency bundles, an action that prosecutors argued was a blatant misuse of his trusted role.
Although Ochieng faced charges of embezzlement and abuse of office, the court acquitted him of embezzlement due to lack of sufficient evidence.
However, it found him guilty of theft, with the judge emphasizing that his actions undermined public confidence in Uganda’s central bank, which plays a critical role in safeguarding the country’s currency operations.
The judge also highlighted the need for stricter internal controls within financial institutions to prevent such incidents in the future.
In response to the ruling, the Bank of Uganda reaffirmed its commitment to integrity and accountability in its operations. It announced plans to review and strengthen internal procedures to ensure such breaches do not recur.
This case has reignited calls for tighter regulatory oversight within Uganda’s financial institutions, especially regarding the management of old currency and other sensitive operations.
The sentence sends a strong message regarding the consequences of corruption within high-profile institutions.
The ruling aligns with broader efforts to tackle corruption in Uganda, where public trust in government institutions is crucial. It also emphasizes the judiciary’s role in upholding transparency and accountability within the country’s financial sector.
Ochieng’s case serves as a reminder of the critical need for vigilance in managing public funds and the importance of integrity among officials entrusted with sensitive roles.
His sentence is expected to deter similar actions in other institutions, reinforcing the expectation that individuals in trusted positions must adhere to the highest standards of honesty and accountability.