Mugumya, a former aide to former presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye, has previously been at the center of politically charged cases. His latest case comes at a time of heightened scrutiny over reports of enforced disappearances and prolonged detention without trial.
Ambassador Ssentongo reaffirmed Ugandan government’s commitment to strengthening cross-border tourism cooperation, noting that tourism is central to the country’s Ten-Fold Growth Strategy, which aims to grow the economy from US$50 billion to US$500 billion by 2040. He called for practical, time-bound solutions to trade barriers affecting tourism and regional business competitiveness.
“The letter falsely claimed that the President had directed the Minister to renew Nation Oil Distributors Limited’s contract to continue managing MV Kalangala for another 15 years. Male allegedly delivered the forged letter to the Ministry of Works and Transport, the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, and the offices of Nation Oil Distributors Limited in Ndeba,” SHACU said.
The Uganda Law Society President, Isaac K. Ssemakadde noted that Katunji was surrendered to the United States on a Saturday even though a five-judge constitutional petition and an application for interim protection were pending, with a hearing apparently scheduled for the following Monday.
The judicial officer presiding over the case, Magistrate Rophine Achayo, granted each of the eight doctors cash bail of UGX 200,000, while their sureties were each ordered to execute a non-cash bond of UGX 3 million.
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.