High-Profile Corruption Scandal Unveiled: Mitooma Chief Magistrate, State Attorney Remanded Over Shs 2.5m Bribe

By Gad Masereka

In a shocking revelation, the Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala has taken a decisive step by remanding Mitooma Chief Magistrate Sylvia Nvanungi and Sembabule Resident State Attorney Jacqueline Bako over allegations of corruption.

Before Chief Magistrate Joan Aciro, the duo faced a total of eight corruption charges, with Bako implicated in all counts, and Nvanungi involved in one. The alleged offenses stem from their time in public service, particularly during Nvanungi’s tenure as Sembabule Chief Magistrate.

The charges assert that, in April 2023, while holding public office, Nvanungi and Bako purportedly solicited a gratification of Shs 2.5 million from relatives of suspects. This alleged exchange was said to be in return for bail or alterations to charge sheets.

During the court proceedings, Bako was accused of receiving Shs 1.48 million in cash from Franco Mulangwa as part of this arrangement. Despite pleading not guilty and seeking bail, the court rejected their plea, citing a lack of credible sureties.

Nvanungi, emphasizing personal health issues and familial responsibilities, sought release, but the court denied her bail due to inadequate documentation provided by proposed sureties. Chief Magistrate Aciro stressed the importance of proper identification documents for sureties.

The accused individuals have been remanded until November 23, with the court advising them to file a second bail application if desired. The prosecution, led by Stanley Baine, indicated ongoing investigations and opposed bail, underlining the severity of the charges.

Arrested by detectives from the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, Nvanungi and Bako have swiftly been brought to court to face trial, marking a significant development in the fight against corruption within the judicial system.