Kampala, Uganda.
Geoffrey Sseremba, an undersecretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, has voluntarily surrendered to the Anti-corruption court to address allegations of abuse of office. Sseremba stands accused of causing a staggering UGX 4.4 billion loss to the government by approving funds for various OPM staff without a proper work plan. These funds were designated for implementing crucial peace initiatives in the Karamoja region.
The charges against Geoffrey Sseremba arise from allegations that he authorized UGX 4.4 billion for several colleagues at the OPM without a legitimate work plan or genuine activities. Together with Deogratious Masigazi, the head of the Department of Pacification and Development, Sseremba is accused of misusing their positions to arbitrarily approve cash payments to various staff members, deviating from established guidelines.
The Anti-corruption court proceedings have shed light on the involvement of other individuals in this alleged financial impropriety. The accused include Barbra Asasira, the principal assistant secretary; Joshua Abaho, the senior assistant secretary; Emmy Tonny Ameny, the assistant commissioner of programs; Peter Amodoi, the program officer; and Samuel Ofungi, the senior assistant secretary.
The charges brought against Sseremba and his co-accused highlight several critical legal issues. The prosecution contends that their actions caused substantial financial loss to the government, with each facing charges ranging from abuse of office to embezzlement. The case revolves around the misuse of funds intended for implementing vital peace initiatives in the Karamoja region.
The presiding Grade one Magistrate, Abert Asiimwe, granted bail to the other 6 accused who appeared before the court several days prior. Bail conditions required surrendering passports and copies of land titles, refraining from visiting their offices, and making cash deposits with the court. However, Sseremba, listed as the first suspect on the charge sheet, has now appeared in court and is expected to enter a plea during the upcoming mention of the case.
