Zambian National and former Chief Executive Officer Uganda Airlines Cornwell Muleya has been formally charged before Buganda road Court with Disobedience of orders of the Inspectorate of Government.
Muleya was arrested by the Inspectorate of Government on Tuesday for disobeying orders to divulge information, contrary to section 35 (a) of the Inspectorate of Government Act, 2002.
Muleya was supposed to furnish the office of the IG with relevant information in regard to mismanagement of public funds, procurements and recruitment of staff at the Uganda Airlines, which he failed to do.
He appeared before the Buganda Road Grade One Magistrate’s Court where he was granted a cash bail of 1.5shs after being charged. He has however denied the allegations.
Court heard that between May and June 2022, Muleya wilfully and without reasonable justification or excuse refused to comply with an order of the Inspectorate of Government dated May 23, 2022, requiring his attendance to give evidence and produce documents to the Inspectorate of Government regarding mismanagement of public funds, procurement and Recruitment of Staff at the Uganda Airlines.
Defence Lawyer Charles Nsubuga informed the presiding Magistrate that his client deserved bail because he is only a suspect, is willing to deposit his travel documents in court, has presented sureties and that is a resident of Entebbe,Katabi in Wakiso District,a place well known by the State.
Grade One Magistrate Asuman Muhumuza granted him bail with orders to first deposit the cash and his passport before leaving custody.
His four sureties were each asked to sign a non -cash bond of Shs 50 m and undertake to bring the accused person back to court on July 25, 2022 for mention of his case.
However, the Inspectorate Officer Rogers Kinobe opposed Muleya’s temporary release on grounds that he is not a Ugandan National and is therefore likely to abscond court. He also argued that Muleya’s place of residence is not within the jurisdiction of the court and that investigations into his case are still underway.
Kinobe further stated that the suspect has a history of being uncooperative with the investigators.
Muleya’s woes started in April 2021, after he was sacked by the Minister of Works and Transport, Gen Edward Katumba Wamala alongside other senior managers for misuse of office.
The group was reportedly flushed out on the orders of President Museveni to enable smooth investigations into allegations of financial mismanagement, collusion, and nepotism in staff recruitment among other issues.
Consequently, Muleya dragged the government to court seeking billions of shillings in compensation for wrongful termination of his contract.
However, Uganda Airlines did not appear on two consecutive occasions in court, scoring the case for disposal at the industrial court.
Compiled by Rashidah Nakaayi
