By Kerry Howard Mwesigwa
The Anti-Corruption Court has handed down a conviction to Musinguzi Godfrey, the Principal Human Resource Officer of Kagadi District Local Government. Found guilty of Abuse of Office, Musinguzi Godfrey now faces a three-year prison sentence and a ten-year ban on holding public office.
Musinguzi Godfrey, during his tenure as Principal Human Resource Officer, engaged in misconduct by irregularly including 60 personnel, primarily Education Assistants, on the district’s payroll. Shockingly, these individuals were not appointed by the District Service Commission. This dubious act was made possible through a conspiracy with Balemeezi Fredrick, the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, who issued appointment letters without the Commission’s knowledge or authorization.
Balemeezi Fredrick had previously pleaded guilty in a plea bargain arrangement and received a fine for his involvement. On the other hand, Bukenya Bartholomew, the District Education Officer, was acquitted after being found not guilty of any wrongdoing.
During the sentencing, Justice Gidudu delivered a scathing critique of Musinguzi Godfrey’s actions, highlighting the blatant impunity with which he operated. The judge stressed the ongoing audit of civil servants in the country and utilized this case as a stern warning to all human resource officers about tampering with the Integrated Personnel and Payroll System (IPPS). As a result of the conviction, Musinguzi Godfrey will serve a three-year prison term, reflecting the gravity of his offenses. Additionally, he has been banned from holding any public office for the next decade.
The prosecution of this case was led by Khaukha James, a State Attorney from the Anti-Corruption Department of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
