The trial of former Trade Ministry Permanent Secretary Geraldine Ssali and Igara East MP Michael Mawanda over the alleged mismanagement of Shs3.8 billion in cooperative funds has stalled for more than a year, raising concerns about delays in the justice system.
The case, before the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court, was recently adjourned to May 29, 2026, as the court awaits a ruling from the Constitutional Court. The delay follows a petition filed by Busiki County MP Paul Akamba, one of the accused, who claims he was tortured by security operatives and that his constitutional rights were violated during investigations.
Akamba argues that the charges against him should be dismissed on those grounds. Until the Constitutional Court determines the matter, proceedings in the main trial cannot continue.
Other accused persons in the case include lawyer Julius Kirya, MP Ignatius Wamakuyu Mudiimi, and Trade Ministry official Leonard Kavundira. They are jointly charged alongside Ssali and Mawanda.
Prosecution alleges that Ssali abused her office by irregularly adding Buyaka Growers Cooperative Society to the list of beneficiaries entitled to government compensation. The cooperative was reportedly not included in the approved supplementary budget.
It is further alleged that she authorised the release of Shs3.8 billion to a law firm linked to one of the accused, leading to financial loss to the government. Investigators say the group conspired between 2019 and 2023 to fraudulently obtain over Shs3.4 billion.
The funds in question were meant to compensate cooperatives that suffered losses during Uganda’s 1981–1986 liberation war and subsequent insurgencies.
The continued delay in hearing the case has drawn criticism, with observers questioning whether constitutional petitions are increasingly being used to slow down high-profile corruption prosecutions.
