Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has opposed the bail application of Geraldine Ssali Busuulwa, the former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade and Cooperatives, who is facing charges of conspiring with five others to defraud Buyaka Growers Cooperatives Society Limited of over UGX 3.4 billion.
The others are Igara East MP Michael Mawanda, Elgon County MP Inyasio Mudimi Wamakuyu, and Busiki County MP Paul Akamba. They are jointly charged with Leonard Kavundira, the Principal Cooperative Officer in the Ministry of Trade, and city lawyer Julius Kirya Taitankoko.
The prosecution alleges that between 2019 and 2023, Ssali, along with her co-accused, conspired to defraud funds meant for compensating Buyaka Growers Cooperatives Society Limited, located in Bulambuli District. On Wednesday, Ssali applied for bail before Anti-Corruption Court Judge Jane Okuo Kajuga, a day after her co-accused had also applied for bail. Represented by her legal team, led by Emmanuel Kigenyi,
Ssali argued that she is a responsible citizen who has served the government in various capacities. She also highlighted her role as a mother of three young children, her responsibility for her elderly parents, and her permanent residence at Lubowa Estate in Makindye Sabagabo, Wakiso District.
Ssali’s legal team presented several documents to the court, including her passport, National ID, a letter from the LC I chairperson confirming her residence, land title, and lease certificate. She also presented five sureties, whom she considers substantial and capable of ensuring her return for trial.
Her maternal uncle, Joackim 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, Legal Director and Company Secretary at Uganda Breweries and an Advocate of the High Court; Dr. Teopista Ntale Ssekito, a member of the Kampala District Land Board and a long-time friend; and Ssebina Ssekitoleko Ronald of Hill Top Group of Companies.
However, Chief State Attorney Edward Muhumuza, representing the DPP, strongly opposed Ssali’s bail application. He argued that her release poses a significant risk of witness interference, citing her alleged influence, connections, and the substantial sums of money involved in the case.
The prosecution also raised concerns about the potential for obstruction of justice, referencing a previous incident where Ssali allegedly blocked police access to Ministry of Trade documents while she was still in office. The ruling on Ssali’s bail application, along with those of her co-accused, is scheduled for Friday, August 30, 2024.
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