news 9 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Ex-PS Ssali and Co-accused Plead Anew in Shs3.8 Billion War Compensation Scandal
Former Trade Permanent Secretary Geraldine Ssali and five others have been re-arraigned in court, entering fresh pleas on charges related to an alleged Shs3.8 billion diversion of funds meant for war loss compensation. The amended indictment includes new counts of money laundering. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/former-trade-ps-ssali-co-accused-take-fresh-plea-over-shs3-8b-war-compensation-fraud-5589076
Former Ministry of Trade Permanent Secretary Geraldine Ssali, alongside five co-accused, has entered a fresh plea in the Anti-Corruption Court concerning allegations of diverting Shs3.8 billion. The funds were intended as compensation for the Buyaka Growers Cooperative Society following war-related losses.
The accused, including MP Michael Maranga Mawanda and lawyer Julius Kirya Taitankoko, denied the charges after the prosecution successfully amended the indictment to include additional counts of money laundering.
Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga allowed the amendment, noting that it was sought early in the proceedings before any witnesses had testified. She stated that the accused had been duly served with the revised indictment and were aware of the charges they must defend.
The amended indictment now encompasses 12 charges. These include diversion of public resources, receiving stolen property, stealing by an agent, money laundering, abuse of office, causing financial loss, and conspiracy to defraud. Prosecutors allege that lawyer Kirya transferred a significant portion of the funds, while other accused individuals are implicated in receiving or converting parts of the money.
Specifically, Ssali faces charges of abuse of office and causing financial loss. She is accused of irregularly including the Buyaka Growers Cooperative for compensation and authorizing substantial payments to a law firm, allegedly contravening Treasury Instructions. The final charge implicates all six in conspiring to defraud the government of the allocated Shs3.8 billion.
The court has scheduled further proceedings to address an application by one of the accused seeking to halt the trial pending an appeal in the Constitutional Court.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)