Bank of Uganda official sentenced to 3 years for theft

Kampala, Uganda- A former high-ranking official at the Bank of Uganda has been sentenced to three years in prison for stealing old currency notes meant for destruction.

Charles Kasede Ochieng, the former head of verification, was found guilty of abuse of office by the Anti-Corruption Court.

“The accused’s actions contradicted established procedures and were detrimental to the interests and core functions of his employer,” said Magistrate Esther Asiimwe.

Prosecutor Nicholas Kawooya argued that Ochieng’s position was crucial to Uganda’s monetary system, and his actions damaged the Bank of Uganda’s trust in its employees.

“Ochieng held a critical role in maintaining the integrity of the bank’s operations,” Kawooya said. “His actions undermined that trust and compromised the bank’s core functions.”

Ochieng’s defense team claimed he was not the sole person involved in currency sorting and that others, including managers and technicians, participated.

However, the court focused on Ochieng’s actions, captured in 22 prosecution exhibit clips.

“The footage clearly shows the accused splitting bundles, removing, and pocketing notes before feeding the punching machine,” Asiimwe said.

While convicting Ochieng of abuse of office, Asiimwe acquitted him of embezzlement due to insufficient evidence proving the exact amount stolen.

“The prosecution failed to establish beyond reasonable doubt the exact amount stolen,” Asiimwe said.

The Bank of Uganda reported a loss of over 62 million Ugandan shillings between November 2018 and August 2019.