The High Court Anti-Corruption Division in Kampala has heard bail applications from three accused persons – MPs Michael Mawanda and Paul Akamba, and lawyer Julius Kirya Taitankonko – who are facing corruption-related charges.
Their lawyers, led by Caleb Alaka, presented arguments for bail, citing precedents from the Anti-Corruption Court. Alaka emphasized that the accused MPs have parliamentary duties and constituents to serve, while Taitankonko, a seasoned lawyer, has permanent residences and substantial sureties.
To support their bail applications, Mawanda presented a Land Title for his Kololo-based home and Hajji Hassan Basajjabalaba, Chairman of the Haba Group of Companies, as sureties. Akamba presented MPs Martin Mugabi Muzaale, Robert Kasolo, and Sauda Kawuma as his sureties, while Taitankonko presented his brother Shimon Kirya, Mahadi Joel Musoga, Yusuf Waiswa, and Edward Kabayi as his sureties.
However, the Prosecution, led by Edward Muhumuza, opposed the bail applications, arguing that the applicants had not proven exceptional circumstances. Muhumuza highlighted the gravity of the cases, which involve substantial financial losses and attract a 10-year jail sentence.
The Court has reserved its ruling on the bail applications, with the accused persons remanded until August 30th, 2024. The pretrial hearing is set for October 23rd, 2024, and the trial is scheduled for November 4th, 2024.
Tomorrow, the High Court will hear applications for bail for former Permanent Secretary Geraldine Ssali Busuulwa, Leonard Kavundira and also decide on MP Mudimi Wamakuyu application. The group is jointly charged for conspiring to defraud Buyaka Growers Cooperatives Society Limited of more than 3.4 billion shillings that was meant for compensation.
