The three ministers who had been implicated in the misuse of the 2007 CHOGM funds have been set free.
Ministers John Nasasira, Sam Kutesa and Mwesigwa Rukutano in a jovial mood after their acquittal.
The cabinet ministers Sam Kahamba Kutesa, Eng. John Nasasira and Mwesigwa Rukutana had been battling a court case in which they were accused of causing the government a financial loss of shs. 14 billion that was meant for the beautification of the drive ways, parking areas and marina at Speke Resort Munyonyo hotel.
The cabinet ministers Sam Kahamba Kutesa, Eng. John Nasasira and Mwesigwa Rukutana had been battling a court case in which they were accused of causing the government a financial loss of shs. 14 billion that was meant for the beautification of the drive ways, parking areas and marina at Speke Resort Munyonyo hotel.
Justice Paul Mugamba, the head of the Anti-corruption court, in his ruling said prosecution had failed to make its case against the three implicated ministers. He went ahead to say that of late, the government and its corruption watchdog, Inspectorate of Government presents weak cases in courts of law which accrding to him waste state time and financial resources.
“Clearly, the evidence assembled by the prosecution cuts no ice. It shows nowhere that the accused persons are culpable,” ruled the judge, Justice Mugamba said.
He said no prema facie case has been made out against the accused. In the premises, all the accused persons have case to answer and I accordingly, acquit them.
He said: “Of course, we must deal with them but under what cost? it is costly in time, resources and credibility. I argue that care be taken to avoid sending wrong signals as such would lead to sapping of the fight against corruption.”
After the ruling, the acqited ministers could not hide their joy and celebrated together with their families, in the early morning rain.
He said no prema facie case has been made out against the accused. In the premises, all the accused persons have case to answer and I accordingly, acquit them.
He said: “Of course, we must deal with them but under what cost? it is costly in time, resources and credibility. I argue that care be taken to avoid sending wrong signals as such would lead to sapping of the fight against corruption.”
He said no prema facie case has been made out against the accused. In the premises, all the accused persons have case to answer and I accordingly, acquit them.
He said: “Of course, we must deal with them but under what cost? it is costly in time, resources and credibility. I argue that care be taken to avoid sending wrong signals as such would lead to sapping of the fight against corruption.”
Mr Kutesa said: “Truth has triumphed over lies and intrigue.”
On the other hand, Mr Sydney Asubo who has been the lead prosecutor said they would make a decision on the way forward.