The State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU), working together with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP), has arraigned Leonard Kavundira, the Principal Cooperatives Officer at the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, before the Anti-Corruption Court on charges of conspiracy to defraud.

According to a statement released by SHACU on June 24, 2024, the accused conspired with his co-accused, who were earlier remanded for diverting over UGX 3.4 billion.

“The UGX 3.4 billion was meant for war loss compensation by the government, but the accused decided to divert it to Buyaka Growers Cooperative Society for their personal use,” the statement read in part.

According to the statement, the accused was remanded until July 9, 2024. This is not an isolated incident. On June 21, 2024, SHACU arraigned Members of Parliament, including Micheal Mawanda Maranga of Igara East Constituency in Bushenyi district, Ignatuis Wamakuyu Mudimi of Elgon County in Bulambuli district, Paul Akamba of Busiki County in Namutumba district, Lawyer Julius Kirya of Kirya Company Advocates, and others still at large, before the Anti-Corruption Court on charges of diversion of funds and conspiracy to defraud.

If convicted under Section 11(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act, the accused individuals could face a prison sentence of up to seven years and a fine not exceeding UGX 5.3 million. Additionally, those found guilty under Section 190(1) for fraudulent procurement may be sentenced to imprisonment for a maximum of three years.

The efforts of SHACU, CID, and ODPP reflect the government’s determination to combat corruption at all levels by holding accountable those who misuse their positions for personal gain so as to restore transparency, accountability, and good governance. The public expects that such measures will serve as a deterrent, discouraging any further acts of corruption and restoring faith in the public service.