Two Uganda Broadcasting Corporation—UBC former board members were on Tuesday with abuse of office before the anti corruption court in Kampala.
Chris Katuramu, the former board chairman and Emmanuel Emoru, a legal secretary, are alleged to have abused their offices between January and April 2011, when they disposed of three plots of land on Faraday Road in Bugolobi to Haba Group Uganda Ltd without following the established disposal procedures.
The duo, however, denied the charges before Grade One Magistrate Emmanuel Baguma, who granted them a non cash bail of 10 million shillings each. Their six sureties were each bonded to 100 million shillings to ensure that the duo returns to court whenever they are required.
The magistrate also ordered Katuramu and Emoru to deposit their passports in court, where they are required to appear again on December 20th 2011. Court also issues criminal summons for the former UBC managing director, Edward Musinguzi Mugasa to appear in court on the same date to take plea for the same charge.
Some of the sureties include Andrew Nyakatura, an accountant with Byabakama and Kwemara Associates, Samba Kebwa and George Katuramu, both businessmen in Kampala.
The defense lawyer, MacDusman Kabega had earlier asked court to refer the matter to the High Court for review arguing that the accused only implemented a company board resolution. Kabega told court that the UBC board sat and agreed to sell the 23.1 acres of land, which the accused went ahead to effect.
The magistrate, however, declined to refer the matter saying such reference has to be asked for by the director of public prosecution who is prosecuting the case.
