Kampala,Uganda.
The trial of city lawyer Geofrey Mkwe, accused of involvement in a sh 6.2 billion money laundering scheme, is scheduled to begin in the Anti Corruption Court. Mkwe is alleged to have facilitated the illicit transaction through his role as an advocate and signatory to the bank account of Balon Advocates.
Prosecution led by Stephen Ariong from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) alleges that between September and March 2022 in Kampala, Mkwe assisted Ronald Kaweesa in laundering sh6.2 billion. Kaweesa, separately charged with obtaining money by false pretense, deceived Air Options Pty Limited by falsely claiming the funds were for a contract related to air conditioner supply, installation, and maintenance for the local government ministry.
Mkwe is specifically accused of allowing Balon Advocates’ bank account to receive the fraudulently obtained funds from Air Options Pty Limited. Mkwe and Kaweesa, along with others still at large, face charges of conspiracy to defraud Air Options Pty Limited of sh6.2 billion.
Under the Anti-Money Laundering Act, individuals convicted of money laundering can face up to 15 years in prison or a fine not exceeding sh2 billion. Additionally, the Penal Code Act stipulates a five-year imprisonment penalty for obtaining money by false pretense and a three-year imprisonment term for conspiracy to defraud.
