DPP ordered to disclose exhibits in Shs60 billion payment fraud case

What the report says

A Kampala court has ordered Uganda’s Director of Public Prosecutions to disclose the exhibits it plans to use in the corruption and fraud trial of nine officials from the Finance Ministry and Bank of Uganda. The case concerns allegations that government payment systems were manipulated in a scheme that prosecutors say led to losses of about Shs60 billion. The order was issued by Anti-Corruption Division Judge David Makumbi after the prosecution sought more time to provide an Auditor General’s report and two witness statements to the defence.

According to The Independent Uganda, the defence objected, saying the prosecution had already missed an earlier disclosure deadline and that the continued delay was hurting the accused, some of whom remain interdicted and on reduced pay. Defence lawyers also argued that they needed full disclosure to prepare properly and avoid being surprised at trial. The prosecution said it was working to complete disclosure and still intended to proceed with a speedy trial.

The judge said full disclosure was necessary to support a fair hearing and ordered the prosecution to finish providing the documents by September 1, 2026, and file its list of exhibits the next day. The parties were also directed to agree on which facts and documents can be accepted without formal proof before the case returns to court for plea-taking on October 12, 2026. The court extended bail for all nine accused until then.

The report says the alleged scheme involved diverted loan payments meant for international lenders, with some funds recovered and others still outstanding. More generally, the case reflects ongoing scrutiny of financial controls and cyber-related risks in public payment systems in Uganda.