Mbale Court Jails Mmanafwa Officials in 1.6 Billion Shilling Fraud Scandal

The court heard how the two officials solicited and received the funds from Dickhell Company under false pretences, leading to a significant financial setback for the company.

MBALE, UGANDA – In a landmark ruling that sends a strong anti-corruption message, the Chief Magistrate of the Mbale High Court, Her Worship Awidi Susan, has sentenced two senior Manafwa District officials to two years in prison for fraud and obtaining money by false pretence, causing a colossal financial loss of over 1.6 billion shillings to Dickhell Company.

The convicted individuals are Betty Namono, the former Principal Human Resource Manager, and Michael Bichacha, the former Chief Finance Officer. The duo was found guilty of orchestrating a scheme through which they obtained the massive sum and subsequently failed to account for it or repay it.

While passing the sentence, Chief Magistrate Awidi stated that the judgment was delivered in strict accordance with the law. She emphasised that the case should serve as a stark warning to other civil servants who believe they are above the law.

The court heard how the two officials solicited and received the funds from Dickhell Company under false pretences, leading to a significant financial setback for the company.

In her judgment, Her Worship Awidi Susan revealed that the punishment could have been more severe but was tempered by several mitigating factors. She cited the fact that both Namono and Bichacha were first-time offenders, which allowed for a lesser sentence to "get room for them to reform." The magistrate also noted that the two convicts showed genuine remorse during the court proceedings.

However, the prison sentence was not the only penalty. The Chief Magistrate issued stringent restitution orders, compelling the officials to repay the funds they misappropriated.

Betty Namono was ordered to pay back the full 1.6 billion shillings to the victim, Dickhell Company, as she was found to be directly involved in the fraud.

Michael Bichacha was directed to pay 26 million shillings, a smaller sum reflecting the court's finding that he was "not directly involved in the process" to the same extent as his co-accused.

Concluding the proceedings, the Chief Magistrate informed the convicts of their legal right to challenge the ruling. She stated that they are free to appeal within 14 days to the High Court if they are dissatisfied with the judgment.