The State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU), working together with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP), has arraigned Francis Asiimwe, a Human Resource Manager at Lukonge Cotton Factory, before the Jinja Grade 1 Magistrates Court on charges of forcible entry and forcible detention on disputed land belonging to investors of Hard Rock Quarry Uganda Limited.
In the statement released on July 12, 2024, SHACU stated that between April and May 2024, the accused and others, still at large, fraudulently and forcefully entered the disputed land and held possession of it.
“In a manner likely to cause a breach of the peace against Hard Rock Quarry Uganda Limited, who was entitled by law to possession of the said land located on Plot 68-72, Industrial Road in Masese, Jinja City, the accused and others fraudulently and forcefully entered the disputed land and held possession of it,” the statement read in part.
According to the statement, the accused was remanded until July 15, 2024.
This is not an isolated incident, as on June 21, 2024, SHACU arraigned Winfred Nansikombi, the town clerk of Ndejje Town Council, and Male Joseph Nsereko, the town agent and parish chief of Buyego Ward, before the Chief Magistrate’s Court, Luwero, on charges of theft and conspiracy to defraud. The duo was remanded until July 24, 2024.
The accused individuals found guilty under Section 190(1) for fraudulent procurement may be sentenced to imprisonment for a maximum of three years.
The efforts of SHACU, CID, and ODPP reflect the government’s determination to combat corruption at all levels by holding accountable those who misuse their positions for personal gain in order to restore transparency, accountability, and good governance.
