The anti corruption court has asked former Works Minister Eng. Abraham Byandala and his co-accused to defend themselves in the Shs 24 billion Mukono – Katosi road corruption saga.
Justice Lawrence Gidudu on Monday said that evidence tabled by the prosecution had clearly pinned the 7 accused in the case.
“It is not in dispute that he was the Minister of Works who ordered for signing of the contract with a company whose existence was in dispute, “Justice Gidudu said.
The judge accused Byandala of continuing to order for the signing of the contract despite being warned by the IGG against the action.
The seven accused were also faulted for abuse of office when they went ahead to sign the Shs 24 billion contract with no due diligence done on EUTAW (contractor).
He said it was clear that the company was non existent but the accused went on to sign the contract despite being warned against the action.
“Berunado Ssebugga Kimeze never did due diligence despite red flags that were raised over the contract, ” court said of the former UNRA Executive Director.
The judge also blasted businessman Apollo Ssenkeeto for posing as a country representative for a non existent EUTAW only to later be paid Shs 24 billion yet no work was done, leading to loss of huge sums of money.
Byandala is accused together with others including Berunado Ssebbugga Kimeze the former Executive Director for UNRA and Joe Ssemugooma the former UNRA Director Finance and Administration.
Others are Marvin Baryaruha who was legal counsel for UNRA, Apollo Senkeeto, a businessman, Mugote Isaac formerly working with Housing Finance Bank Ltd and Wilberforce Senjako, a customer with Housing Finance Bank.