Jerome Mukasa
Monday, 15 August 2011

The conviction and light sentencing of Ugandan Member of Parliament for Tingey county, east of the country is an insult to justice.

Having found Herbert Sabila Kaale guilty of attempting to bribe Mr Wycliffe Mutabule, an official in the Ombudsman's office, the public expected the judge to issue a deterrent sentence to ensure that corruption is eradicated in this country where it is currently idolised.

Sabila retains his seat in parliament simply because the judge chose to fine him Shs4m (US$1938) instead of a sentence that would kick him out of the House.

According to Ugandan laws an MP who gets a jail sentence of more than nine months automatically loses his seat. It is absurd that that according to the judge, "the offence did not impact much on the national economy."

A statement like that sends wrong signals to the public especially those entrusted with public funds, assets and responsibilities. Justice John Bosco Katusti forgot that cases such as these are rampant yet very few are caught and successfully prosecuted. Therefore corruption can thrive while as long as there doesn't seem to be an impact | More »