By KT Reporter
The High Court in Kampala has issued an order stopping the Member of Parliament for Elgon County Wamukuyu Ignatius Mudimi from disposing of a number of his properties before a case in which he is accused of corruption is heard and determined.
In a ruling, Justice Okuo Jane Kajuga said the order was necessary to safeguard the properties as they might be needed for compensation if the MP is found guilty of corruption. “The purpose of the Anti-Corruption Act would be defeated if the benefits or rewards from the crime are dissipated or beyond recall at the point of conclusion of the case. it would also be pointless for the court to issue a compensation order to victims of crime when there’s no property from which the same can or may be realised, in case the accused fails to pay up,” the ruling reads in part.
Wamakuyu was part of several MPs arrested and charged in the anticorruption court for illegally obtaining money meant for compensation of war victims. The application was filed by the Directorate of Public Prosecution which is currently prosecuting Wamakuyu together with other MPs.
The order of the court touches several properties located in different parts of the country. Among them include; land at Nsambya Central, Gogonya Makindye Division, land at Wanale Road Mbale, land at Mulindwa Cell, Central Mbale, land at Mangho Lower, Central Mbale, land at Mukono, Mutuba lV, land at Busamaga Division, Mbale Municipal Council, land at Kireka, Fiika Division, Nakaloke Town Council Mbale District, land at Bulengeni Trading Centre D, Kisenyi, Kamu, Bulambuli, land at Nakaloke III, Afya Ward, Nakaloke Town Council Bungokho, Mbale, land at Nalwadda Village, Bunasufwa Parish, Bulaago Sub-county, Bulambuli, land at Lukonje village, Simu Bulambuli, land at Buyaga Cell, Buyaga Town Council, Bulambuli District, and land at Buwashebwa, Nabbongo, Bulambuli.“This Order is to be served on the respondent, registered with the authorities where relevant and shall stay in force until it is discharged, reviewed, revoked or varied by this Court,” the judge ordered.
Wamakuyu was committed to the High Court for trial on charges of diversion of public resources, and conspiracy to defraud, in the anticorruption court.
However, the trial was halted pending the determination of a human rights violation by the state during their detention-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
