Matthew Bagonza, an official with the Presidential Advisory Committee on Export and Industrial Development (PACEID), has been remanded to custody following his appearance before the Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala over allegations of abuse of office and money laundering.
Bagonza appeared before court on Thursday as investigations into allegations arising from his work at PACEID continued.
The prosecution told court that investigations into the matter were still ongoing. Bagonza was not allowed to enter a plea at this stage, given the nature of the offences brought before court and the status of the investigations.
The Anti-Corruption Court subsequently ordered that Bagonza be remanded pending further developments in the case.
His case was adjourned to October 5 for mention, when the prosecution is expected to update court on the progress of investigations.
The proceedings attracted attention after Patience Rwabogo, daughter of President Yoweri Museveni, and her husband, Odrek Rwabwogo, attended the court session.
Rwabwogo is the chairperson of PACEID, where Bagonza serves as an official.
Bagonza’s appearance before court follows reports of his earlier arrest, which had raised questions about the circumstances surrounding his detention. His subsequent arraignment has drawn public interest because of his position at PACEID and the involvement of the government advisory body in Uganda’s export and industrial development agenda.
PACEID is mandated to advise the government and support initiatives aimed at promoting exports, industrial development and Uganda’s access to international markets. Under Rwabwogo’s leadership, the committee has been involved in programmes seeking to expand Uganda’s export opportunities and promote locally produced goods.
The allegations against Bagonza remain unproven, and he is presumed innocent unless convicted by a competent court.
The court will on October 5 consider an update on the investigations as the case proceeds.
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