The chairperson of Busoga Growers Cooperative Union, Charles Basoga, has been remanded to Luzira Prison over the alleged theft of more than Shs4.1 billion intended for war loss compensation to Busoga Growers Cooperatives.
On Monday, the 63-year-old Basoga appeared before the Anti-Corruption Court in Nakasero, presided over by Senior Principal Magistrate Albert Asiimwe, who ordered his remand until August 1 for the mention of the case.
Basoga faces charges alongside 56-year-old District Commercial Officer James Muganza, and two advocates, John Matovu (62) of M/S Matovu & Matovu, and Fred Makada (55) of Makada & Makada Advocates. The charges include abuse of office, causing financial loss, theft by agent, and conspiracy to defraud.
The court has issued criminal summons for Muganza, Matovu, and Makada to appear in court for their charges to be read.
Prosecution states that between 2018 and 2023, in Kampala and Jinja districts, Muganza, employed as the District Commercial Officer of Jinja District Local Government, and Basoga, as the chairperson of Busoga Growers Cooperative Union, misappropriated funds meant for war compensation. Muganza allegedly received Shs250 million, while Basoga received over Shs569 million.
It is further alleged that both Muganza and Basoga used the funds for personal gain, knowing it would cause financial loss to Busoga Growers Cooperative Union.
The two lawyers face counts of theft by agent. Prosecution claims that while entrusted as advocates for Busoga Growers Cooperative Union to pursue war loss compensation claims from the government, Matovu stole Shs4,051,500,000, and Makada stole Shs1,210,000,000.
Prosecution also contends that Muganza, Matovu, and Basoga, along with others still at large, conspired to defraud Shs4,051,500,000 meant for war loss compensation to Busoga Growers Cooperatives.
