By Frank Kamuntu
Yesterday, the Anti-Corruption court granted Geraldine Ssali Busuulwa, the former permanent secretary of the Ministry of Trade and Cooperatives, a cash bail of 35 million Shs.
Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga released Ssali citing the substantial nature of her sureties and their financial stability. Kajuga noted that Ssali has maintained close friendships with some of her sureties for over ten years, and others are gainfully employed. Given these strong ties and the trust between Ssali and her sureties, the court found it unlikely that she would abscond from the trial, which might put them at risk.
Ssali’s sureties include her maternal uncle, Joachim Kiwanuka, a retired civil servant and farmer with property ownership; her biological brother, Gerald Ssali, a senior manager at KPMG Certified Public Accountants; her sister, Agnes Nantongo, the legal director and company secretary at Uganda Breweries, and an advocate of the High court. Also listed are her long-time friend, Dr Teopista Ntale Ssekito, a member of the Kampala District Land Board, and Ssebina Ssekitoleko Ronald of Hill Top Group of Companies.
The court ruled that there was no evidence to suggest that Ssali would interfere with the ongoing investigations, as alleged by the prosecution. In an affidavit by police officer Ngobi Sowadi, it was claimed that Ssali had obstructed officers from accessing the ministry premises during her tenure. However, justice Kajuga stated that acting on unsubstantiated claims would be dangerous and unjust.
The judge further noted that it would be unfair to keep Ssali on remand while the state initiates the asset recovery process, especially since there was no proof that any recovery had begun during her time in remand.
As a condition of her bail, Ssali was ordered to deposit her passport with the court, preventing her from leaving the country without permission. Each of her sureties was bonded at Shs 50 million, not cash.
Ssali battles charges of; Abuse of office, causing financial loss and conspiracy to defraud.
She allegedly added Buyaka Growers Cooperative Society among those to be paid war loss compensation in the FY 2021/22, yet it was not initially listed and subsequently conspired with others and irregularly made payments of UGX 3.4B meant for the Cooperative to Kirya & Co. Advocates, causing financial loss to the government.
The others charged with Saali are Igara East MP, Michael Mawanda, Elgon County MP, Mudimi Wamakuyu, and their Busiki County counterpart, Paul Akamba who were also released on bail on Friday.
The group is jointly charged with Leonard Kavundira, the Principal Cooperative Officer in the Ministry of Trade, and City lawyer, Julius Kirya Taitankoko.
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