The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has disclosed all evidence it intends to rely on in the trial of former trade ministry permanent secretary Geraldine Ssali and several Members of Parliament accused of mismanaging Shs3.8 billion meant for co-operatives.
Ssali is jointly charged with lawyer Julius Kirya, Igara East MP Michael Mawanda Muranga, Elgon County MP Ignatius Wamakuyu Mudiimi, Busiki County MP Paul Akamba, and Leonard Kavundira, the Principal Co-operative Officer at the Ministry of Trade.
The development follows a directive by Anti-Corruption Division judge Jane Okuo Kajuga ordering the prosecution to furnish the defence with all evidence by June 26.
Prosecution, led by Chief State Attorney Edward Muhumuza, also filed proof of disclosure through the Electronic Court Case Management System.
Ssali’s lawyer, John Isabirye, confirmed receipt of the disclosures, noting that they largely consist of witness statements from more than six individuals expected to testify during the trial.
Justice Kajuga has set aside five days for the preliminary hearing and the commencement of the trial, which is scheduled to begin on September 9, 2026.
Meanwhile, a court source revealed that registrar Patrick Talisuna has secured two prospective assessors for vetting and appointment following the death of one of the court’s assessors.
In criminal proceedings, three assessors are appointed to offer their opinion before the presiding judge delivers judgment, although their views are not binding on the court.
Prosecutors allege that the group played various roles in the irregular processing and payment of funds under government programmes administered through the Office of the Prime Minister.
At the centre of the case is a disputed Shs 3.8 billion compensation to Buyaka Growers Cooperative Society in Bulambuli district, which the prosecution argues was irregularly approved and paid.
According to the State, Ssali, in her capacity as accounting officer, authorised the inclusion of the cooperative on a compensation list despite it not appearing in the approved supplementary budget.
She is also accused of sanctioning payments to Kirya & Co Advocates in contravention of established treasury procedures, leading to financial loss to government.
The prosecution further contends that between 2019 and 2023, the accused persons conspired to defraud government of up to Shs 3.4 billion.
It is alleged that Mawanda received Shs 1 billion purportedly to clear cooperative debts, in addition to Shs 200 million linked to a legal settlement, while Kavundira is accused of influencing internal decisions within the ministry, including the change of legal representation. All the accused have denied the charges.
Previous proceedings were delayed after Busiki County MP Paul Akamba petitioned the Constitutional Court, alleging that he was subjected to torture during his arrest.
