Uganda judge rejects pardon claims in Bank of Uganda heist trial

A judge at the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court in Kampala has dismissed claims made by defense lawyers that President Museveni pardoned suspects involved in a 60 billion shilling heist at the Bank of Uganda.

The trial involves former Accountant General Lawrence Ssemakula and eight other officials accused of orchestrating the theft. During a court appearance on Monday, defense counsel Mwesigwa Rukutana alleged that the prosecution is delaying the case because of a presidential directive to reinstate the accused. Rukutana argued that the suspects are currently on interdiction and receiving only half-pay.

Chief State Attorney Richard Birivumbuka, representing the Director of Public Prosecutions, stated that the prosecution is unaware of any such directive from the presidency. The court has adjourned the matter.