Seven Busia officials, fuel station staff remanded over Shs250m fraud
Some of the accused officials being led to holding cells at Busia Chief Magistrate's Court on May 16, 2025. PHOTO | DAVID AWORI
What you need to know:
- They face seven counts related to theft and conspiracy to defraud Busia Municipal Council of over Shs250 million
Seven individuals, including five officials from Busia Municipal Council and two employees from Shell Fueling Station Busia, have been remanded to Masafu Prison on corruption charges.
The accused officials are; Ronald Baganza, former Busia Municipal Town Clerk; Farouk Kiganda, Senior Principal Engineer; Martin Ssekamanya, Assistant Engineer; Wycliff Chimulwa, Senior Accountant; and Javenal Kundo. The Shell employees are; Christopher Kyakigonza, former Manager at Shell Busia, and Douglas Were Mukisa, a worker.
They face seven counts related to theft and conspiracy to defraud Busia Municipal Council of over Shs250 million. According to the charges, between 2023 and 2024, the officials allegedly conspired to commit theft and fraud, causing financial loss to the council. They also allegedly drew over Shs20 million, claiming it was for vehicle repairs.
The funds in question were earmarked for fuel, vehicle repairs, and culvert purchases, but the accused allegedly conspired with Shell workers to divert the money, receiving cash payments instead of the intended goods and services.
"We did not commit any crime," said Ronald Baganza, one of the accused, after the charges were read. "We are innocent and we will prove it in court." The accused pleaded not guilty to all seven charges.
Their lawyer, Mr Serious Brian, applied for bail, arguing that his clients were innocent until proven guilty.
"My clients are respected members of society, and they will not interfere with the investigations," Mr Brian said.
However, the prosecution opposed the bail application, citing ongoing investigations that could be compromised if bail is granted.
"The investigations are still ongoing, and granting bail to the accused may interfere with the witnesses and the evidence," said the prosecutor.
Busia Chief Magistrate Mr Thomas Okoth remanded the seven to Masafu Government Prison until May 30, when their bail application heard.
"We will give the prosecution time to complete their investigations, and then we will hear the bail application," Mr Okoth said.
The courtroom was heavily guarded by security personnel, and family members of the accused, as well as curious residents, gathered to follow the proceedings. The case has sparked interest in the community, with many eager to see justice served.
