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The Nakasero-based Anti-Corruption Court is poised to announce its decision regarding five former employees of the education ministry who stand accused of soliciting a bribe amounting to 228 million Ugandan shillings from a staff member of Synergy Enterprises Ltd. Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga is scheduled to deliver the verdict on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, determining whether the defendants, including Edward Fredrick Lubinga, Doreen Matovu Lwanga, Abdul Nsubuga, Solomon Kaigia, and Sam Kagwisagye, will face trial for the alleged corruption charges brought against them.
The ruling follows a period of deliberation during which both the prosecution and defense presented arguments regarding the defendants’ plea of “no case to answer.”
According to the prosecution, led by chief state attorney Safina Bireke, the accused, in various capacities within the ministry, purportedly solicited bribes from Robert Nsimbe Zizinga, an employee of Synergy Enterprises Ltd. These solicitations were allegedly made in connection with awarding a construction contract for Nyamitanga Technical School in Mbarara district.
Additional charges include accusations of directly soliciting and accepting gratifications ranging from 15 to 50 million shillings for various purposes related to awarding contracts and facilitating due diligence processes.
The prosecution contends that the defendants abused their office by altering contract terms and specifications, neglecting to approve construction materials, and accepting payments for incomplete construction work, all in violation of procurement regulations.
The defense has denied these allegations, and the accused individuals have been granted bail pending the court’s decision.
