Former Managing Director UPPC Prof Tom Wasswa, Four Others Charged Over Theft of shs 2.2B.

The Directorate of CID has charged five former employees of Uganda Printing and Publishing Corporation (UPPC) , including Prof. Wasswa Tom Davis, Kasekende Mujjuzi Arstraco, Kigonya Robert, Ahimbisibwe John Baptist, and Ayebare Catherine, for causing financial loss and other related conspiracies. Three other suspects are still at large and wanted.

During the 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 financial years, UPPC entered into three contracts with the Electoral Commission to print and publish materials for polling stations for the National Register, Nominating Candidates, and Local Government Council Elections. The Electoral Commission transferred funds totaling Ugx. 15,153,030,709, out of which Ugx 2,261,003,034 was allegedly embezzled.

Clause 5.9.4 of UPPC's Sales and Marketing Policy categorized jobs/contracts from Ministries, Government Departments, and Professional Bodies as direct procurement, which did not require the services of a Commission Agent/Business Executive and did not attract an 18% charge on the money paid to UPPC. The alleged board resolution to alter clause 5.9.4 and introduce an 18% commission for all jobs/contracts from Ministries, Departments, and Professional Bodies was not filed or registered with the Uganda Registration Service Bureau (URSB).

Despite this, the board appointed Kigonya Robert, a former Sales Executive Manager, as the business executive for the Electoral Commission. The suspects then caused the fraudulent transfer of funds from UPPC Company Bank Accounts into Kigonya Robert's private account on three occasions in July 2020, May 2021, and June 2021, which they quickly withdrew and converted to their private use.

The suspects face charges of causing financial loss, dealing with suspect property, and conspiracy to defraud. Five suspects have been arrested and charged, while efforts are ongoing to trace and arrest the remaining three.

The Directorate of CID, in coordination with the DPP and other partners, remains committed to identifying, investigating, and pursuing all those who attempt to enrich themselves through fraudulent means and ensure they are held accountable for their actions.