Ezrah Kashumbusha
KAMPALA, January 23, 2024 | Anti-Corruption Judge, Justice Lawrence Gidudu has taken a proactive approach to expedite legal proceedings in the case involving former employees and Total Energies Limited, accused of embezzling 32 billion Ugandan shillings.
During a session on Monday, January 24, 2024, Justice Gidudu urged State Attorney Gloria Izikuru and the defense team to engage in discussions aimed at resolving contested documents related to evidence and witness testimonies. The judge emphasized that fostering dialogue between the prosecution and defense would contribute to efficient legal proceedings.
The call for discussions arose after the state faced challenges in producing witnesses for testimony on the previous day. The case centers around allegations that former Total Energies employees misappropriated 32 billion shillings between January 2016 and December 2018.
The accused individuals include Moses Sebalu (treasury officer), Belinda Nakasi (tax accountant), Priscillah Nansikombi (cashier), Lilian Mboizi (treasury manager), and Ritah Mbabazi (payment assistant). Additionally, agents of the company on contract, namely Hemal Kotecha, Innocent Tugume, Deogratius Twagirayesu, Joseph Bbuye, and Evelyn Kaggwa, are also facing charges.
One of the key allegations involves Mboizi, who is accused of creating fictitious payments. Prosecutors argue that she misused her authority as the Treasury Manager to post illegal bank statements into the system. This alleged action allowed dealers to order fuel and lubricants based on fraudulent credit posted to their accounts – an accusation vehemently denied by the defendants.
The State further alleges that this fraudulent activity occurred across several Total Energies branches, including those in Kyaliwajjala, Kabuusu, Mukono, Kawuga, and New Oasis service stations.
The Anti-Corruption Court in Nakasero has adjourned the case to September 4, 12, and 14 for further hearings.
