By Spy Uganda
The Anti-Corruption Court in Uganda convicted Pallisa Member of Parliament Samuel Otukol and three others on multiple charges related to fraud and theft of public funds in Namisindwa District, in a case that has raised fresh concerns over accountability in local government systems.
Otukol, who also serves as a director of Samix Uganda Ltd, was found guilty on March 27, 2026, of two counts of theft and two counts of conspiracy to defraud. He was convicted alongside Osire Ezekiel, director of Zedkol Financial Services, as well as district officials Odap Francis, the former Chief Administrative Officer, and Wamburu Willy, the Acting Chief Financial Officer.
According to court findings, the group orchestrated a scheme between June and November 2019 that led to the fraudulent diversion of district funds. Payments were processed under the guise of staff loan deductions and subsequently channeled to three entities: United for Development SACCO, Samix Uganda Ltd, and Zedkol Financial Services.
Investigations established that the recipient companies had neither provided services to Namisindwa District nor met regulatory requirements. They were not licensed by the Uganda Microfinance Regulatory Authority and were not members of the Uganda Consumer Lenders Association, both of which are prerequisites for handling such financial transactions.
The court ruled that Odap and Wamburu were guilty of three counts of causing financial loss and two counts of conspiracy to defraud. Osire was convicted on one count each of theft and conspiracy to defraud.
The case underscores systemic weaknesses in public financial management and highlights the risks posed by collusion between public officials and private entities.
Under Uganda’s Anti-Corruption Act, offences involving theft and causing financial loss can attract penalties of up to 14 years in prison, depending on the severity and circumstances of the case.
All four convicts have been remanded and are expected to return to court for sentencing on April 1, 2026.
