Former Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) engineer, Umar Katongole, alongside his wife Hawa Sengendo, a community development officer at Luwero District Local Government, are set to commence their defense on March 4, 2024, against charges of illicit enrichment and money laundering totaling 6.2 billion shillings.
The legal proceedings stem from a ruling by the Nakasero-based Anti-Corruption Court, presided over by Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga on December 6, 2023. Justice Kajuga determined that Katongole and Sengendo must answer to the charges brought against them.
Opting for an unsworn testimony, the accused individuals have chosen to present their defense without undergoing cross-examination by the prosecution. This strategic decision reflects their intention to provide evidence while minimizing potential challenges from the opposing party.
Justice Kajuga’s ruling affirmed the prosecution’s case, asserting that sufficient evidence had been presented to warrant an explanation from Katongole and Sengendo regarding the allegations of illicit enrichment and money laundering. The court deemed it necessary for the accused to clarify their actions in light of the evidence provided by the prosecution.
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The prosecution, led by the Inspectorate of Government’s (IGG) head of prosecution, Brenda Kimbugwe, and senior Inspectorate officer Sylvia Nabirye, alleges that Katongole deliberately obscured the origins of his assets, particularly land holdings within Wakiso district. It is claimed that Katongole transferred these properties to Darkins Uganda, concealing their illegal origins.
Similarly, Sengendo is accused of concealing the transfer of land plots at Mengo to Darkins Uganda, a company associated with Katongole. Additionally, both defendants are alleged to have deposited significant sums of money in Tropical Bank Limited, concealing the source of these funds, which were purportedly obtained illegally.
The prosecution contends that Katongole and Sengendo engaged in various financial transactions to disguise the origin of the funds, including transferring money between accounts and depositing funds despite awareness of their illicit nature.
In response to the money laundering charges against Sengendo, it is alleged that she deposited substantial sums into her accounts, knowing full well that the funds were proceeds of criminal activities.
Both Katongole and Sengendo have denied the charges against them, setting the stage for what promises to be a complex legal battle as they present their defense in the coming proceedings.
