Uganda's ex-VP granted bail in corruption trial

Bukenya denies allegations of corruption

Uganda's former vice president, Professor Gilbert Bukenya, has been granted bail by an anti corruption court in Kampala, while he awaits trial for fraudulent practice and abuse of office.

Bukenya appeared in court on 16th June, facing charges in relation to the awarding of contracts for the purchase of 80 BMW vehicles used during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in November 2007.

It is alleged that Bukenya used his position to influence the award of a US$3.9million contract to the Motorcare Uganda company. He denies any wrongdoing.

A parliamentary committee recommended in 2010 that Bukenya and other ministers be charged, but MPs voted to clear them.

Bukenya lost his job in May in the wake of Uganda's February elections, however before this he was the longest serving vice president under Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni.

According to Uganda's Daily Monitor, although he was popular, Bukenya's time in office was marred by allegations of corruption and colourful revelations about his private life.

A cash bail of 50million Ugandan shillings (US$20,000) was required and Bukenya also had to deposit his passport with the court.

Sources: BBC, Daily Monitor, New Vision

For more information, please see the Menas ACCS website, here.