Kampala, Uganda – Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has exercised his constitutional authority to pardon John Muhanguzi Kashaka, a former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government who was convicted for causing a financial loss of UGX4.2b to government alongside Henry Bamutura (now deceased).
The pardon was granted under Article 121(1)(a) of the 1995 Constitution of Uganda, which allows the President to exercise prerogative of mercy.
“Today, 03rd October 2024, John Muhanguzi Kashaka has accordingly been released on pardon of the sentence and award of compensation after serving a period of 5 years, 02 months and 09 days in prison.” Read the press statement from the spokesperson of Uganda Prisons Service
Kashaka spent five years, two months, and nine days in prison before being released on October 3, 2024.
This pardon is not the first of its kind, as President Museveni has previously exercised his prerogative of mercy. In August 2023, he pardoned 200 prisoners on public health and humanitarian grounds, including former Permanent Secretary Jimmy Lwamafa, who was convicted of misusing public funds.
Background of the Case:
-On 17th July 2014, John Muhanguzi Kashaka and Henry Bamutura (Deceased) were sentenced to prison for a period of 10 years and 10 days by Anti-corruption Court for the offense of causing financial loss and misappropriating funds meant for purchasing bicycles for local council leaders.
-On 25 November 2014 and 22nd December 2014, the Court of Appeal granted bail to John Muhanguzi Kashaka and Henry Bamutura respectively.
While, on 2nd December 2019, the same court upheld their conviction, sentence and re committed them to prison.
-The Supreme Court also denied Kashaka’s appeal, affirming the 10-year sentence and ordering him to refund 4.2 billion shillings.
However, on 16″ March 2020, Henry Bamutura was granted bail by Supreme Court after spending a total period of 08 months and 19 days in prison.
President’s History of Pardons:
– In 2022, 79 inmates were pardoned.
– In 2020, 883 prisoners were pardoned.
This move highlights President Museveni’s commitment to showing compassion and giving individuals a second chance. However, some may view these pardons as acts of impunity, especially in high-profile cases involving corruption.
