Uganda: DPP Ordered to Disclose Exhibits in Shs60 Billion Payment Fraud Case

What the report says

A Ugandan court has ordered prosecutors to disclose the evidence they intend to use in the high-profile case against nine current and former officials from the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Uganda. According to AllAfrica’s report from The Independent (Kampala), the order was issued in Kampala by Anti-Corruption Division Judge David Makumbi, who said the defence must receive the prosecution’s exhibits and related documents before the case can move forward.

The accused include former Accountant General Lawrence Ssemakula and eight other finance and central bank staff. They face charges linked to allegations that government payment systems were manipulated and that public funds meant for international lenders were diverted. The case was first brought in 2024 on corruption-related counts and later expanded to include additional accusations such as money laundering and electronic fraud. In March 2026, the magistrates court committed the matter to the High Court for trial after fresh charges were sanctioned.

During the hearing, prosecutors said they still had not shared some documents, including an Auditor General’s report and two witness statements, and asked for more time. Defence lawyers opposed the request, arguing that repeated delays were affecting the accused, who have reportedly been interdicted from duty and are receiving reduced pay. The judge said full disclosure was necessary to prevent surprise at trial and protect the right to a fair hearing.

The report says the prosecution will rely on forensic and IT audit evidence in a case that alleges internal manipulation of the Integrated Financial Management System, altered payment files, and diverted transfers intended for lenders such as the World Bank and African Development Bank. The court extended bail for all nine accused and set the matter to return in October 2026 for further proceedings.