Ambassador Herbert Kiguli appearing before the Auti- Corruption Court
By Joseph Kiggundu
KAMPALA — Uganda’s Consul General in Mombasa, Ambassador Herbert Kiguuli, has been remanded to Luzira Prison after appearing before the Anti-Corruption Court over allegations of causing a government financial loss of Shs494 million.
Kiguuli, 59, was arraigned before Principal Magistrate Christopher Opit on Monday and denied the charges of causing financial loss and abuse of office, according to the Inspectorate of Government.
The court ordered that he remain in custody pending the hearing of his bail application, which has been scheduled for Wednesday, October 7, at midday.
The charges stem from Kiguuli’s previous position as Commissioner for Human Resource Management at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF).
Prosecution alleges that on November 9 and 10, 2020, Kiguuli initiated and signed five financial requisitions amounting to Shs614.768 million on behalf of the principal of Bukalasa Agricultural College.
The Inspectorate alleges that the transactions caused a financial loss of Shs494.097 million to the government. Investigators contend that the money had not been provided for in the college’s budget and that there was no valid memorandum of understanding regulating the institution’s financial dealings with MAAIF at the time.
The prosecution further alleges that the funds were meant to support ministry activities that could not proceed because of restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kiguuli was arrested by the Inspectorate of Government before being taken to court. His plea of not guilty means the allegations have yet to be proved in court.
The Inspectorate’s prosecution team was led by Principal Inspectorate Officer William Moses Ntumwa, assisted by Inspectorate Officers Milly Namuwanga and Jennifer Katusiime.
The anti-corruption agency has reminded public officials to observe government financial regulations and procedures when authorising or managing public funds.