The Anti-Corruption Court has granted bail to several high-ranking officials linked to the infamous ghost workers’ scandal. Among them is Jacqueline Namaganda, the Chief Quality Assurance Officer at Makerere University Business School (MUBS), who faces charges alongside the former principal of the institution, Prof. Waswa Balunywa.
Balunywa did not appear in court himself but was represented by his lawyers. His legal team explained that he is currently unwell but reassured the court that he is ready to appear whenever required. “The reason why he is unable to be here today is that, in his letter, he communicates that he is unwell due to some health conditions. However, he is able and willing to appear at the next convenient date of this honorable court,” his lawyer said.
Namaganda was granted bail of Shs 4 million in cash and Shs 50 million non-cash for charges of abuse of office and neglect of duty. Both she and Balunywa are accused of hiring unqualified staff during their time at MUBS, a move that allegedly contributed to the ghost workers’ scandal.
In a separate case linked to the same scandal, Eldard Mugume, the Human Resource Commissioner for the Uganda Police Force, and his co-accused, Lillian Waidha, were also granted bail of Shs 4 million cash and Shs 50 million non-cash. Mugume and Waidha are accused of illegally recruiting six individuals into the police force between February and March 2013. The recruits include Lizzie Namulinda, Aisha Namukasa, Lilly Birungi, Jasper Ekyoheirwe, Pearl Kainembabazi, and Eva Amumpaire.
Mugume faces six counts of abuse of office under Section 10(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act, Cap 116. As part of the bail conditions, Mugume, Waidha, and Namaganda were all ordered to deposit their passports to ensure they remain available for court appearances.
The case has drawn public attention, highlighting ongoing concerns about corruption and accountability in both government institutions and public universities in Uganda.
