The long-running Shs3.8 billion Buyaka Growers Cooperative Society compensation case has been thrust back into the spotlight after the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court ordered all accused persons to return to court. The development follows a Constitutional Court ruling that cleared the way for proceedings to resume in one of Uganda’s most closely watched corruption cases.
Former Trade Ministry Permanent Secretary Geraldine Ssali Busulwa is among the key figures expected to appear before Lady Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga on June 17, 2026, at the Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala. Also facing trial are Igara East MP Michael Mawanda, Elgon County MP Ignatius Mudimi Wamakuyu, Busiki County MP Paul Akamba, lawyer Julius Taitankoko Kirya, and Principal Cooperative Officer Leonard Kavundira.
The case had been temporarily halted after Paul Akamba challenged his prosecution before the Constitutional Court, arguing that his arrest and detention violated his constitutional rights. However, the court has now ruled on the matter, allowing the Anti-Corruption Court to proceed with the substantive case.Prosecutors allege that the accused were involved in a scheme that led to the irregular payment of Shs3.8 billion to Buyaka Growers Cooperative Society under a government programme established to compensate victims of war-related losses. The State maintains that the funds were processed and disbursed in violation of established procedures.At the center of the allegations is Geraldine Ssali, who served as Permanent Secretary and Accounting Officer at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives. The prosecution claims she improperly authorized the inclusion of Buyaka Growers Cooperative Society among beneficiaries despite the cooperative allegedly not appearing on the approved supplementary budget list.Investigators further allege that Ssali approved payments worth billions of shillings to Kirya & Co Advocates on behalf of the cooperative, actions prosecutors argue caused financial loss to government.
Leonard Kavundira is accused of using his position within the ministry to influence decisions connected to the compensation process.Lawyer Julius Kirya faces charges including stealing by agent and money laundering, while MPs Michael Mawanda, Paul Akamba, and Ignatius Mudimi are accused of receiving stolen property and participating in the alleged diversion of public funds.
Court records indicate that some of the money was allegedly transferred to settle debts and liabilities linked to the cooperative.The case stems from a broader government compensation programme established to verify and compensate cooperative societies that lost property during past wars and insurgencies. With billions of shillings at stake and several high-profile figures in the dock, the resumed trial is expected to attract significant public attention as prosecutors seek to prove what they describe as a coordinated effort to defraud the government.
