The government is set to proceed with the prosecution of former Mulago Hospital executive director, Dr. Baterana Byarugaba, and his co-accused in the sh14b corruption case.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has confirmed that investigations are now complete, paving the way for trial.
During the hearing at the Anti-Corruption Court on March 20, 2025, Chief State Attorney Gloria Inzikuru informed Principal Magistrate Grade I Paul Mujuni that nearly 80% of the evidence had already been disclosed to the defense.
With the remaining evidence set to be fully disclosed by April 30, the court is expected to set a trial date soon after.
Dr. Byarugaba is jointly charged with former senior hospital engineer Edward Kataha, former head of hospital accounts Ponziano Nyeko, former senior accountant Charles Mwasa, former senior administrator Kenneth Wafula, and senior procurement officer Christopher Okware.
Other accused individuals include former procurement officer Adah Kamucunguzi and Setramaco International Limited directors Robert Wasike and Catherine Winfred Nabwire.
The accused face serious charges, including abuse of office and causing financial loss, under the Anti-Corruption Act.
If convicted, the maximum penalties range from seven to fourteen years in prison. Despite being out on bail, all accused individuals have denied the charges against them.
The prosecution alleges that between 2019 and 2020, Dr. Byarugaba, Nyeko, and Mwasa abused their offices by processing irregular payments exceeding sh3b to Setramaco for the supply of consumables meant for non-existent sterilization equipment at Mulago Hospital.
Kataha and Okware are similarly accused of requesting sh3b in payments without following established procedures, further compromising government interests.
Additionally, Wasike and Nabwire allegedly exploited their company, Setramaco, to invoice Mulago Hospital for services that were never provided.
Documents indicate that fraudulent transactions amounting to sh1.5b were conducted under the guise of routine servicing of autoclaves that did not exist. Other fraudulent payments include sh186.9m for fictitious repairs and sh196.6m for the alleged relocation of steam cooking pans—works that were never executed.
Furthermore, Kamucunguzi is accused of flouting procurement procedures in awarding a sh7.5b contract to Setramaco for servicing and supplying consumables at Mulago, Kawempe, and Kiruddu hospitals. These irregularities led to significant financial loss for the government.
With the state finalizing evidence disclosure, the prosecution is poised to present its case in court, seeking accountability for the mismanagement of public funds.
The upcoming trial is expected to be a major test for Uganda’s anti-corruption efforts, with the government determined to ensure that those responsible face the full force of the law.
