KAMPALA – The High Court on Monday granted the Directorate of Public Prosecutions permission to file fresh charges against former Trade and Industry Minister James Ssali in connection with a US$1 million (Shs 3.8 billion) embezzlement scheme. The case stems from a 2022 procurement of agricultural inputs where contracts were allegedly awarded to companies with ties to Ssali’s family, resulting in inflated prices and sub‑standard supplies. The new charges include money laundering, abuse of office and conspiracy to defraud the state. Defense counsel argued that the evidence was insufficient, but the judge ruled that the prosecution had presented “substantial new material” warranting further legal action. The ruling has reignited public debate over corruption in Uganda’s cabinet and the effectiveness of the country’s anti‑graft institutions.
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