- Appearing before the Anti-Corruption Court, Matovu's lawyer, Joel Kidandaire, informed Grade One Magistrate Abert Asiimwe that his client no longer wished to pursue the applications.
Image: Courtesy photo
Prominent lawyer John Matovu, facing charges related to the theft of 4 billion Ugandan shillings meant for compensating the Basoga Growers Cooperative Union (BGC), has officially withdrawn all legal applications he had filed to delay his prosecution.
The money earmarked for compensation of victims of NRA war losses is at the center of the case that has gripped the nation.
Appearing before the Anti-Corruption Court, Matovu's lawyer, Joel Kidandaire, informed Grade One Magistrate Abert Asiimwe that his client no longer wished to pursue the applications.
These applications had initially argued that Matovu’s rights to liberty and a fair hearing were being violated. Matovu, who was unable to attend the court session in person, had previously contended that the charges were baseless and aimed at tarnishing his reputation built over a 33-year legal career.
The Attorney General's representative, Arnold Kyeyune, acknowledged receipt of Matovu's notice of withdrawal and expressed no objection to the motion.
Magistrate Asiimwe subsequently ruled that the applications were formally withdrawn, thanking Matovu and his legal team for their decision, which now clears the way for the case to proceed to trial.
Matovu is one of several individuals accused of conspiracy to defraud the government of funds intended for the Basoga Growers Cooperative Union.
The group allegedly committed the offenses between 2018 and 2023 in Kampala and Jinja Districts.
Matovu, along with co-accused Muganza James, a Commercial Officer in Jinja District, and Basoga Charles, Chairperson of the BGC, have all pleaded not guilty to charges of theft by an agent and conspiracy to defraud.
The fourth co-accused, Senior Lawyer Fred Makada, remains at large under a warrant of arrest.With the withdrawal of Matovu’s applications, the trial is set to begin on October 18, 2024.
All accused are currently out on bail and will face the full trial to determine their involvement in the alleged theft of funds meant for NRA war loss victims.
This high-profile case continues to capture public attention, given the involvement of prominent legal figures and the significant amount of money in question.
As the trial date approaches, all eyes will be on the Anti-Corruption Court to see how the proceedings unfold.