Cooperatives cash: DPP seeks arrest warrant for lawyers Matovu, Makada 

The director of public prosecutions (DPP) has asked the Anti-Corruption court in Kampala to issue a warrant of arrest against two lawyers who are accused of swindling billions of cash meant for Busoga Growers Cooperative Union.

John Matovu, 62, and Fred Makada, 55 are accused alongside Jinja district commercial officer James Muganza and Charles Basoga, the chairperson of Busoga Growers Cooperative Union who were earlier remanded to Luzira prison over related charges.

State attorney Stanley Baine sought the arrest warrants on grounds that the lawyers have defied court summons. However, lawyers Joel Israel Kindadaire and Rosemary Birungi requested additional time, stating that Matovu was indisposed. Brian Sserunjoji made a similar plea for Makada without providing reasons for his absence.

Acting senior principal grade one magistrate Abert Asiimwe extended the criminal summons against the two lawyers but warned that he would issue arrest warrants if they fail to appear in court next time. Asiimwe emphasized the seriousness of disregarding court orders, especially for senior counsel.

“When you appear on a charge sheet, make sure you negotiate with whoever you want to negotiate with when it is still early. It’s very bad for a senior counsel to disobey the court like the state has said. Do you believe in your application that he shouldn’t appear here? Let’s not argue the application. But if you are summoned by the court, you are supposed to appear,” Asiimwe said.

He adjourned the matter until August 12. The prosecution alleges that while employed as the chairperson of Busoga Growers Union between 2018 and 2023 in Jinja district, Basoga received Shs 569.5 million for war loss compensation but diverted the money to personal use.

Additionally, Muganza allegedly received Shs 250 million in abuse of his position as a district commercial officer. Matovu and Makada are accused of taking Shs 41 billion and Shs 1.2 billion, respectively.

This case marks the second file of suspects brought to the Anti-Corruption court over the theft of multi-billions in cooperative compensation funds. The first group includes three MPs; Michael Mawanda, Mudimi Womakuyu, and Paul Akamba a lawyer, permanent secretary Geraldine Ssali, and a trade official who have been on remand for nearly a month and were recently committed to the High court for trial. They are jointly charged with Leonard Kavundira, a principal cooperative officer in the ministry of Trade, and city lawyer Julius Kirya Taitankoko.