Senior Lawyer Remanded to Luzira over Shs4b theft

Drama unfolded in court on Monday as senior lawyer John Matovu, 62, faced charges and was remanded to Luzira prison for allegedly stealing Shs4.1 billion intended for war loss compensation to the Busoga Growers Cooperatives.

Matovu appeared before Principal Magistrate Albert Asiimwe and denied the charges of theft by agent and conspiracy to defraud.

Despite an application for temporary release by his lawyers, citing his advanced age, financial stability, and health condition, the magistrate ordered his remand to Luzira prison until August 16. The court noted that the accused needed time to prepare for his bail application, which is set for a hearing on September 2. The magistrate directed that Matovu’s counsel submit the necessary documentation, including a land title and written consent from the surety’s spouse, by August 15, with a bail ruling expected on August 16.

Matovu is charged alongside three others, including Charles Basoga, chairperson of Busoga Growers Cooperative, and Fred Makada, another lawyer who was not present in court.

The prosecution alleges that the accused misused their positions to steal funds intended for war compensation. Matovu is accused of embezzling Shs4.1 billion, while Makada is accused of stealing Shs1.2 billion.

The charges state that between 2018 and 2023, in Kampala and Jinja districts, Matovu and Makada, who were entrusted as advocates for the Busoga Growers Cooperative Union to pursue war loss compensation claims from the government, misappropriated the funds. Additionally, it is alleged that Mr. Muganza, a district commercial officer in Jinja, and Mr. Basoga, used their positions to divert significant amounts of money meant for the cooperative to their personal use, causing financial loss to the Busoga Growers Cooperative Union.

The prosecution also contends that Matovu, Basoga, and others still at large conspired to defraud the cooperative of Shs4.1 billion in war loss compensation funds.