By Africanews with AFP
Three former officials from Uganda’s Ministry of Public Service were sentenced to a combined 22 years in prison on Friday for their involvement in a massive pension fraud scheme that stole over US $25 million (23 million euros) from public funds.
Jimmy Lwamafa, the former permanent secretary of the Ministry, was sentenced to 10 years in prison; Kiwanuka Kunsa, the former head of the research and development department, received 7 years; and Christopher Obey, the former chief accountant, was sentenced to 5 years.
The Ugandan anti-corruption court found the three officials guilty of embezzlement, abuse of office, neglect of duty, and causing financial loss to the government. They were accused of orchestrating a scheme in which fake pensioners—so-called “ghosts”—were created, with 2,652 fabricated identities used to siphon funds meant for legitimate beneficiaries.
According to the prosecution, the officials diverted the funds by approving pension payments to these nonexistent individuals, enriching themselves in the process.
These three men are part of a larger group of eight suspects accused of embezzling over $50 million since 2015. While the convicted officials have the right to appeal their sentences, the case highlights the significant corruption within Uganda’s public sector. The remaining defendants are set to face trial soon.
This conviction serves as a critical step in addressing corruption in Uganda’s public service, with efforts to recover stolen funds and hold perpetrators accountable continuing.
