Uganda’s Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, Permanent Secretary Geraldine Ssali is set to face several corruption-related charges, following allegations of abuse of office, causing financial loss, and conspiracy to defraud.
On Thursday, Ms. Ssali was arraigned before Anti-Corruption Court Chief Magistrate Joan Aciro. However, the session was delayed as detectives continued to interrogate her, squeezing every detail from her statements. Eventually, she was remanded to Kira Division Police, where she awaits further proceedings in a VIP cell.
The charges stem from a controversial transaction involving the Bwavumpologoma Growers Cooperative Union. Despite being relatively unknown to many Ugandans, this cooperative has become the epicenter of the scandal. According to the prosecution, Ms. Ssali unlawfully included Buyaka Growers Cooperative Society Ltd for war loss compensation, despite it not being listed in the approved supplementary budget of August 2021.
The unraveling of Ms. Ssali’s alleged misdeeds began on August 25, 2023, when Speaker Anita Among directed an inquiry into the financial management of cooperatives. The resulting report uncovered significant mismanagement and suspected fraudulent activities, raising questions about the integrity of the involved parties.
Notably, Ms. Ssali is accused of facilitating unauthorized payments to Bwavumpologoma, a cooperative founded by her grandfather. Over UGX 2.7 billion was disbursed under questionable circumstances, with significant amounts allegedly funneled to her husband, Victor Busuulwa, through various "tokens of appreciation."
Ms. Ssali defended her actions, claiming personal knowledge of the cooperative’s history and losses during the war. "Bwavumpologoma's inclusion was personal," she told the parliamentary committee. "The cooperative, founded by my grandfather, lost significant assets during the war. I felt it necessary to ensure their claims were addressed."
The charges against Ms. Ssali are part of a broader investigation that has implicated several other high-profile individuals, including MPs and Ministry officials. As the case unfolds, the public eagerly awaits further revelations about the extent of the corruption and the potential fallout for those involved.
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