Anti-corruption court acquits Uganda ministers of Shs14 Billion Chogm money
ACQUITTED: John Nasasira, Sam Kutesa and Mwesigwa Rukutana. Photo by Joseph Kiggundu
Three cabinet ministers Sam Kutesa, John Nasasira and Mwesigwa Rukutana who have been facing charges of abuse of office and causing a financial loss of Shs14 billion to government ahead of the 2007 Commonwealth Heads of State Meeting were Friday acquitted.
Justice Paul Mugamba, the head of the Anti-Corruption Court said prosecution had failed to make its case against the three ministers.
The ministers are Mr Sam Kutesa (Foreign Affairs), Mr John Nasasira (Gender labor and social development , OPM) and Mr Mwesigwa Rukutana (State, Labour).
Justice Mugamba noted that lately, it has become fashionable by government bodies like the Inspectorate of Government to present weak cases before courts when they cannot secure conviction.
He said such cases waste time, resources and they erode the credibility of prosecution agencies.
“Clearly, the evidence assembled by the prosecution cuts no ice. It shows nowhere that the accused persons are culpable,” ruled the judge, Justice Mugamba said.
He said no prema facie case has been made out against the accused. In the premises, all the accused persons have case to answer and I accordingly, acquit them.
He said: “Of course, we must deal with them but under what cost? it is costly in time, resources and credibility. I argue that care be taken to avoid sending wrong signals as such would lead to sapping of the fight against corruption.”
In victory mood, the ministers who braved the early morning rain and accompanied by their family members and friends, hugged to celebrate the victory.
Mr Kutesa said: “Truth has triumphed over lies and intrigue.”
On the other hand, Mr Sydney Asubo who has been the lead prosecutor said they would make a decision on the way forward.
Prosecution alleged that the ministers while performing their duties, in abuse of authority, irregularly convened a consultative cabinet meeting on behalf of the cabinet subcommittee of Chogm and decided that the government would fully fund the construction cost of the drive ways, parking areas and marina at Speke Resort Munyonyo hotel, which decision caused the government a loss of Sh14 billion.
The Hotel owned by tycoon business man Sudhir Ruparelia, was among the hotels to accommodate the visiting Presidents who were to attend the Chogm summit.
