Kampala, Uganda — April 21, 2026The Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court has adjourned the Shs3.8 billion corruption case involving former Trade Ministry Permanent Secretary Geraldine Ssali and several co-accused, awaiting a decision from the Constitutional Court.
Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga on Tuesday ruled that the trial cannot proceed until the Constitutional Court determines a constitutional petition challenging aspects of the prosecution process.
The petition was filed by Busiki County Member of Parliament Paul Akamba, one of the co-accused, who argues that his arrest and detention violated his constitutional rights.
He is seeking to have the charges dismissed on grounds of alleged unlawful treatment by security agencies.Ms Ssali and her co-accused face charges including abuse of office, conspiracy to defraud, money laundering, and causing financial loss to government.
The case stems from allegations involving the alleged irregular payment of Shs3.8 billion intended for Buyaka Growers Cooperative Society as war-loss compensation.
Prosecution alleges that between 2021 and 2023, the accused persons facilitated the cooperative’s inclusion on the list of beneficiaries and processed payments through Kirya and Company Advocates in violation of Treasury regulations and public finance procedures.
Court records indicate that the proceedings have been repeatedly halted due to constitutional objections raised by the defence, with the current petition now before the Constitutional Court seen as central to whether the trial proceeds.
Justice Kajuga maintained the bail conditions for all accused persons and adjourned the matter to May, pending the outcome of the constitutional ruling.
The case remains one of Uganda’s high-profile corruption trials, with its continuation dependent on the outcome of the Constitutional Court decision.
