By Kampala, Uganda— In a significant development in the ongoing corruption case involving Members of Parliament Paul Akamba, Cissy Namujju, and Yusuf Mutembuli, the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court has instructed the legislators and their legal teams to carefully review crucial audio and video evidence. The directive was issued by Justice Lawrence Gidudu, who is presiding over the case.
Earlier in the session, Justice Gidudu denied the prosecution’s request to play a controversial audio recording. The prosecution had argued that the recording was vital for establishing the facts of the case. However, the defense contested its admissibility, claiming that the evidence had not been properly verified.
The case centers on allegations that the three MPs conspired to receive a bribe amounting to 20 percent of the Uganda Human Rights Commission’s budget. The first witness in the case, Ms. Mariam Wangadya, who chairs the Uganda Human Rights Commission, provided detailed testimony regarding the alleged scheme. She described how the MPs allegedly negotiated for the bribe at Hotel Africana, and stated that she had personally verified the voices in the audio and video recordings, which have been handed over to the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) at Kibuli for further investigation.
Prosecutor Jonathan Muwaganya emphasized the importance of the audio recording, stating, “The audio recording is crucial for establishing the facts of this case. It is imperative that the court considers it as part of the evidence.”
In response, Mwesigwa Rukutana, who represents Ms. Namujju, criticized Ms. Wangadya’s testimony, accusing her of referencing evidence from a handkerchief and lacking the technical expertise to authenticate the recordings. “Wangadya’s method of presenting evidence raises questions about its credibility,” Rukutana argued.
Justice Gidudu intervened to calm the tense exchange between the defense and prosecution teams, ruling that the audio recording would not be played at this stage. He emphasized the need for proper procedure, stating, “It is important that we follow proper procedure. Witness Wangadya’s testimony alone cannot validate the recording’s authenticity.”
The judge adjourned the hearing until August 14, 2024, and instructed both the accused and their legal teams to thoroughly review the audio and video evidence in preparation for the upcoming session. This review will be critical for the cross-examination of Ms. Wangadya and other witnesses.
Currently, Paul Akamba remains in custody at Luzira Prisons, while Cissy Namujju and Yusuf Mutembuli are out on bail until the next court date. As the case progresses, it continues to draw attention to the serious allegations of corruption within Uganda’s legislative body. The upcoming court session is expected to be a pivotal moment in determining the outcome of the charges against the MPs.
