The Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala has charged Jennifer Etit Okaka, the Human Resource Manager at the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), with serious criminal offences. Okaka is accused of corruption, causing financial loss, and abuse of office. According to prosecutors, she allegedly failed to update the payroll system, a lapse that is said to have cost the authority Shs14 million.
The court heard that as the head of human resources, Okaka was responsible for ensuring the payroll was accurate and up to date. However, investigators claim she neglected her duties, leading to wrongful payments. This, the state argues, was not just a case of negligence but a breach of trust that harmed public finances.
When she appeared before the Anti-Corruption Court, Okaka denied the charges. Despite her plea, the magistrate remanded her to Luzira Prison, where she will remain until August 14, 2025, when the case resumes. Her arrest and court appearance have stirred public discussion about accountability in government institutions, especially in agencies like the CAA that handle critical national operations.
The case has now put a spotlight on payroll management within public offices, raising questions about internal controls and the systems meant to prevent such losses. As the legal process unfolds, many will be watching closely to see whether this case becomes an example of how Uganda deals with corruption in high places.
