Court Orders Expedited Investigation into Money Laundering Allegations Against Speaker Anita Among.
By The Public Lens
Justice Lawrence Gidudu, head of the High Court Anti-Corruption Division, has directed the Chief Magistrate to swiftly investigate allegations of money laundering against Speaker Anita Among.
The order comes after Lawyer Male Mabirizi appealed the Chief Magistrates Court’s dismissal of his privately instituted criminal charges against Speaker Among.
Mabirizi’s complaint, submitted on August 15, 2023, accuses Among of acquiring properties through corrupt means between 2016 and 2023.
These properties include a palatial residence in Nakasero, Kampala, a residential house in Ministers’ Village, Ntinda, and several luxury vehicles.
Mabirizi requested that the court summon Speaker Among to take a plea, be charged, and be tried for money laundering on allegations of defrauding taxpayers.
However, the Chief Magistrate dismissed the case on March 7, 2024, citing lack of jurisdiction and insufficient evidence.
Mabirizi argued that the Chief Magistrate erred in changing the case registration number and claiming lack of jurisdiction.
Justice Gidudu ruled that the Chief Magistrate incorrectly placed the burden of proof on Mabirizi, contrary to legal procedure.
The court clarified that a complaint does not require attachments or proof to validate allegations under the Magistrates’ Court Act.
Justice Gidudu emphasized the magistrate’s duty to inquire into the complaint, potentially consulting local authorities or directing police investigations.
The case has been referred back to the Chief Magistrate for processing, with instructions to expedite the process and determine its substance within three months.
The Anti-Money Laundering Act grants jurisdiction to the High Court, ensuring the case will be thoroughly investigated.
