Ex-URA employees’ case over sh800m bribery stalled

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The trial of two former employees of Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), alleged to have solicited a bribe of sh800 million from a taxpayer, has stalled.

The Anti-Corruption Court in Nakasero, presided over by Chief Magistrate Rachael Nakyazze, adjourned the case on Wednesday (June 6).

This was after the prosecution informed court that they were not yet ready with the committal papers required to forward the matter to the High Court for trial.

Former supervisor Caroline Naggoli is accused alongside former tax officer Benedict Sekaayi.

The charges against the accused include offences of corruption and abuse of office.

If convicted, they face up to 10 years in jail for the corruption charge and seven years and/or a fine for abuse of office.

Davis Thomas Lomuria, the URA supervisor in charge of prosecution, asked the court for more time to allow the prosecution to finalise the committal process.

"Your honour, we request more time to prepare the committal papers so we can formally commit the accused to the High Court," he said.

Magistrate Nakyazze directed the prosecution to file and ensure that the committal papers are ready by June 30, 2025.

Prosecution’s case

According to the prosecution, the alleged offences took place on March 30, 2023, at Guanghua Hotel in Kololo, Kampala.

It is alleged that Naggoli and Sekaayi, in the performance of their duties as a supervisor and URA officer, respectively, sought a bribe of sh800 million from Tong Jiao to reduce the tax liability from sh4.1 billion to sh2.2 billion.

Prosecutors further allege that Naggoli and Sekaayi abused their positions at URA by demanding a bribe from Tong Jiao to reduce tax liability owed by Migoo and Trading Company Limited.

Their argument is that the acts were prejudicial to the interests of URA.

The accused denied all the charges and are out on bail.