The Constitutional Court has ruled that the prosecution of former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Geraldine Ssali, and several lawmakers can proceed.643619
The ruling, delivered on June 2, 2026, effectively dismisses challenges raised by one of the accused that had stalled proceedings for months in the Shs3.8 billion alleged fraud case involving cooperative funds.
Busiki County MP Paul Akamba had petitioned the Constitutional Court, arguing that his arrest and prosecution violated his constitutional rights, including claims of alleged torture and unlawful detention by security agencies. The petition had forced the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court to adjourn the main trial multiple times as parties awaited constitutional guidance.
In a judgment accessible via the Uganda Legal Information Institute (ULII), the Constitutional Court is understood to have found that the prosecution does not breach fundamental rights in a manner that would warrant halting the case or dropping charges against the accused. This clears the legal hurdle that had kept former Trade PS Ssali, Igara East MP Michael Mawanda Muranga, Elgon County MP Ignatius Wamakuyu Mudimi (also referred to as Mudiimi), and others in legal limbo.
The case revolves around allegations that the accused conspired to divert Shs3.8 billion meant for compensating war-loss claimants in the cooperative sector. Prosecutors claim the funds were irregularly disbursed in 2021, with Mawanda allegedly receiving Shs1 billion purportedly to settle debts owed by Buyaka Growers Cooperative Society. Ssali, as the accounting officer at the time, faces charges of abuse of office, causing financial loss, and conspiracy.
Other co-accused include lawyer Julius Taitankoko Kirya and principal cooperative officer Leonard Kavundira. All have denied the charges, with some maintaining that the transactions were legitimate efforts to address long-standing cooperative claims.
Legal analysts say the Constitutional Court’s decision underscores the limits of using human rights petitions to indefinitely delay criminal trials involving public funds. “While the protection of rights is paramount, courts have increasingly frowned upon tactics that appear designed primarily to frustrate accountability,” one Kampala-based constitutional lawyer, who declined to be named, observed.
The development is a significant boost for the Directorate of Public Prosecutions and the Inspectorate of Government, which have faced criticism over slow progress in grand corruption cases. It also comes at a politically sensitive time, with several ruling party NRM MPs among the accused ahead of future electoral cycles.
Anti-Corruption Court officials are now expected to schedule fresh hearing dates. Sources close to the case indicate the trial could resume as early as late June or July 2026, with the court having previously set tentative mentions around this period.
MP Akamba’s legal team expressed disappointment with the ruling but indicated they would study the full judgment before deciding on next steps, possibly including an appeal. Meanwhile, lawyers for Ssali and the MPs welcomed the clarity, stating it allows their clients to finally confront the allegations in open court and clear their names.
This ruling highlights ongoing tensions in Uganda’s justice system between robust anti-graft efforts and safeguards against potential abuse of prosecutorial power. Observers will be watching closely to see whether the resumed trial delivers swift justice or becomes another protracted battle in the country’s fight against high-level corruption.
The Shs3.8 billion at stake represents a substantial sum in a sector meant to support farmers and cooperatives recovering from historical conflicts. Many affected parties have long awaited resolution, viewing the case as a test of government commitment to recovering public funds.
