November 27, 2023.
KAMPALA, Uganda | The former Managing Director of Uganda Railways Corporation (URC), Stanley Sendegeya, accused of using fraudulent academic credentials to secure his position, has been granted bail by Buganda Road Court Grade One Magistrate Siena Owomugisha.
On Monday, Magistrate Owomugisha released Sendegeya on a cash bail of sh1m, emphasizing that the accused was presumed innocent until proven guilty. The magistrate expressed confidence in the substantial sureties provided, including Sendegeya’s wife Maureen Kizito, son Emmanuel Kiyingi, and mother-in-law Justine Musisi, who were each directed to execute a noncash bail of sh10m.
Sendegeya faces charges of forgery, uttering false documents, and giving false information, with potential maximum sentences of three years imprisonment upon conviction. Maintaining his innocence, he had pleaded not guilty to the offenses during earlier court proceedings.
The allegations stem from events in July 2020 when, at Deloitte Uganda Limited offices in Kampala, Sendegeya allegedly provided false information (a curriculum vitae) to URC, claiming to possess academic qualifications essential for the role of Managing Director. The prosecution further asserts that he knowingly and fraudulently presented a false document indicating a master’s degree in Business Administration.
The State Attorney, Judith Nyamwiza, informed the court that investigations into the matter are still ongoing, and requested for more time to allow the prosecution present its case.
This development follows a directive from President Yoweri Museveni last year, instructing the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU) to investigate corruption allegations within URC. The allegations included irregularities in the purchase of locomotives, recruitment of unqualified staff, and the sale of URC land, sparking a broader investigation into the corporation’s affairs.
Sendegeya’s appointment as URC Managing Director came under scrutiny, with claims of irregular recruitment and influence by a board member. Despite not being among the shortlisted candidates provided by recruitment firm Deloitte Uganda Limited, Sendegeya assumed the position, leading to his subsequent dismissal last year.
