The Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala has remanded Charles Basoga, Chairperson of the Busoga Growers Cooperative Union, to Luzira Prison on charges of conspiring with three others to defraud the government of 4.0515 billion shillings intended as compensation for the Busoga Growers Cooperative Union.
Basoga appeared before Acting Senior Principal Grade One Magistrate Abert Asiimwe on Monday during heavy rain, where he denied the charges.
The court heard that Basoga, during his tenure as Chairperson between 2018 and 2023 in Jinja District, received 569.5 million Shillings meant for war loss compensation. Prosecutors allege that Basoga used the funds for personal purposes, causing financial loss to the Union.
Criminal summons have been issued for the three other accused, who did not appear in court.
They are required to appear on August 1, 2024, to face charges related to the fraud. The individuals are James Muganza, 56, Jinja District Local Government Commercial Officer, John Matovu, 62, an Advocate with M/S Matovu and Matovu Advocates, resident of Bunga, Kalungu Zone, Makindye Division, Kampala, and Fred Makada, 55, an Advocate with Makada and Makada Advocates.
Prosecutors allege that Muganza abused his position by receiving 250 million shillings, while lawyers Matovu and Makada are accused of theft by agent, stealing 4.0515 billion and 1.2 billion Shillings, respectively.
Prosecution’s Bruce Twongirwe informed the court that investigations are still ongoing.
Basoga was arrested by operatives from the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, headed by Brigadier Henry Isoke, in collaboration with the police.
This case marks the second instance of suspects being brought to the Anti-Corruption Court for charges related to the theft of cooperative funds.
The first case involves three MPs, a lawyer, and other officials, including Permanent Secretary Geraldine Ssali, who have been on remand for nearly a month and were recently committed to the High Court for trial.
The individuals involved in the first case are Igara East MP Michael Mawanda, Elgon County MP Mudimi Wamakuyu, Busiki County MP Paul Akamba, Leonard Kavundira, Principal Cooperative Officer in the Ministry of Trade, and city lawyer Julius Kirya Taitankoko.
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