DPP approves charges against Mike Ezra

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Mr Richard Butera, has sanctioned charges of issuing a false cheque worth $550,000 against city businessman Mike Ezra Mulyoowa.

The decision follows a complaint by Dr Charles Mushabe and his brother Frank Katusiime, an IT consultant, accusing Ezra of giving them a cheque, which was dishonoured by Kenya Commercial Bank on grounds that he lacked sufficient funds to clear the amount on the cheque.

The DPP has also directed Ms Grace Akullo, the head of general crimes at the Criminal Investigations Directorate, to ensure that the businessman appears in court for plea.

Background
Buganda Road Resident State Attorney Barter Bakibinga said if police fails to get Ezra, the DPP will apply for a warrant of arrest and liaise with Interpol to have him arrested on sight.
Ezra allegedly convinced Dr Mushabe and Mr Katusiime to set up a joint venture in the city centre. He allegedly asked them to give him some money so that he can secure his money which was in Dubai.

In January 2009, Dr Mushabe allegedly gave Ezra $550,000 while Mr Katusiime allegedly deposited Shs800 million on Ezra’s bank account. The tycoon allegedly promised to refund the money after a week. Ezra in turn gave them post dated cheques as a guarantee that he would refund the money within the stipulated period.

Seeking police help
However, after a week Ezra failed to pay the money in question which prompted Mr Katusiime and Dr Mushabe to attempt to cash the cheques. Unfortunately, the tycoon had allegedly instructed his bank not to cash the cheques.

This allegedly left Dr Mushabe and Mr Katusiime with no option but to report the matter to police.

Mr Mulyoowa, who displayed Shs7 billion to journalists last week, also allegedly owes Uganda Revenue Authority Shs1.1b in unpaid taxes. He also reportedly owes National Bank of Commerce Shs400m. He is said to have left the country despite a URA request to the Ministry of Internal Affairs to block him until he pays the taxes.