By Aggrey Baba
Lawrence Semakula, the recently interdicted Accountant General, has put up his luxurious family home in Kampala’s Bukoto area as collateral in an attempt to secure temporary freedom.
This comes as he faces serious charges in connection with the alleged 60 billion shilling heist involving the Bank of Uganda (BOU).
Semakula, 58, is among nine individuals from the Ministry of Finance who were recently charged with corruption related to the massive heist. Other accused officials, including Jennifer Muhuruzi, Pedson Twesigomwe, Tony Yawe, and several others, face various charges such as causing financial loss, money laundering, and electronic fraud.
During his appearance in court on Monday, Semakula’s lawyers presented the title deed for his Bukoto residence, along with his passport, as part of his application for bail. The value of the property, located in one of Kampala’s upscale neighborhoods, was not disclosed, but similar properties in the area are estimated to be worth millions of shillings.
Peter Kabatsi and Mwesigwa Rukutana, Ssemalula’s lawyer, argued that their client posed no flight risk and should be granted bail. They presented three sureties, amongst whom was his wife, Jane Rose Semakula, Deputy Clerk of Parliament, Vincent Tumusime Bamugaya, a director at the Office of the President, and former MP John Twesigye Ntamuhiira.
“We believe these sureties are substantial, and we pray that you grant our client bail,” said Kabatsi.
Semakula was arrested on February 4 and briefly detained at Kira Division Police Station before being taken to court.
Semakula’s co-accused, including his colleagues from the finance ministry, also applied for bail, asserting that all the accused have fixed places of residence and should be treated fairly.
Chief State Attorney Richard Birivumbuka indicated that the prosecution had received the bail applications late and needed time to prepare a response. Justice Lawrence Gidudu of the Anti-Corruption Court adjourned the matter, with a ruling expected on March 3.
The charges stem from the period between January and October last year, when Semakula and his colleagues allegedly failed to put in place proper systems to protect public funds.
Semakula is accused of causing a financial loss of over 23 billion shillings to the government. Other allegations include manipulation of payment instructions, with significant sums being fraudulently redirected to unauthorized parties, including a company named Roadway Limited.
The prosecution alleges that Semakula and his associates, including Twesigomwe, Yawe, and others, were involved in a scheme that manipulated gov’t payments and diverted funds intended for international loans.
If convicted, they could face up to 15 years in prison or a fine of up to Ugx 2 billion.
As the case continues, the public watches closely, aware that justice must be done, and that “the truth, like oil, will eventually rise to the surface.” (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
