Leonard Kavundira, the principal cooperative officer from the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, has been remanded to Luzira prison for allegedly conspiring with three legislators and a lawyer to divert more than Shs 3.4 billion of public funds.
Kavundira appeared before Grade One Magistrate Esther Asiimwe, who presided in place of the chief magistrate. Asiimwe read the charge to Kavundira, accusing him of conspiring to defraud the government of Shs 3.4 billion meant to compensate Buyaka Growers Cooperative Society Limited after the war.
Kavundira is jointly charged with four others: Igara East MP Michael Mawanda, Elgon County MP Mudimi Wamakuyu, Busiki County MP Paul Akamba, and city lawyer Julius Kirya Taitankoko, who were remanded last week on related charges. The court heard that the group conspired to defraud the government of a total of Shs 7.3 billion between 2019 and 2023.
According to the prosecution’s breakdown, Mawanda allegedly diverted Shs 1.5 billion in October 2021 in Kampala for purposes unrelated to the intended use of the funds. Wamakuyu and Akamba are accused of diverting Shs 2.3 billion and Shs 200 million, respectively, for their own benefit. Kirya is alleged to have diverted Shs 2.2 billion, while Kavundira faces charges related to the Shs 3.4 billion conspiracy.
All accused individuals denied the charges. Their lawyers were not prepared to make bail applications, resulting in their remand until July 9. Criminal summons were issued requiring Kavundira to appear in court today, which he complied with.
The prosecution informed the court that investigations were complete and requested time to share documentary evidence with the defense lawyers, which they intend to use to support the charges against the accused.
