Former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Geraldine Ssali Busulwa, is expected back in court today as proceedings in a high-profile corruption case resume.
Ssali will appear before Lady Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga at the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court in Nakasero alongside five co-accused persons.
The matter, scheduled for mention at 9:00am, is expected to guide the next steps in a case in which the State alleges abuse of office, causing financial loss and conspiracy to defraud government.
The accused include Igara East MP Michael Mawanda, Elgon County MP Ignatius Wamakuyu Mudimi, lawyer Julius Kirya, Paul Akamba, and Leonard Kavundira.
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.
The outcome of today’s session is expected to shape the trial’s direction, including timelines for hearing witnesses and presentation of evidence.
Ssali, once a senior technocrat in government, now faces one of the most closely watched anti-corruption trials in recent years.
