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Lawyer Matovu appearing in court
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Senior lawyer John Matovu has been charged in an Anti-Corruption Court over a Shs7bn corruption case involving cooperatives, after unsuccessfully attempting to have the charges dismissed.
Mr. Matovu, who appeared in court only after a warrant of arrest was threatened, initially protested the charges, arguing that it would harm the legal profession if every lawyer were held accountable for receiving their agreed-upon fee in a legal deal.
However, Grade One Magistrate Albert Asiimwe rejected Matovu’s arguments, stating that the lawyer was acting as if his hands were clean, which was delaying the case.
Prosecutors noted that Matovu had repeatedly ignored court summonses, necessitating the charges. Despite earlier managing to have the court adjourn to consider his protest, the Magistrate eventually ordered him to take the stand.
Matovu is accused of theft by an agent and conspiracy to steal Shs4.55bn, compensation meant for the Busoga Growers Cooperative Union. The court heard that the offenses were committed between 2018 and 2023.
Mr. Matovu denied the charges, claiming he was being persecuted and made a scapegoat. He argued that taking a plea on such charges would have economic repercussions for his 30-plus years of legal practice.
"I did my job well as a contracted lawyer," he told the court. "I was asked to demand compensation from the government on behalf of the Busoga Growers Cooperative Union, which I did. I received the money, deducted my share, and forwarded the balance to my clients."
He further argued that the issues arose from the money he had remitted, not the portion he had legally taken. "How many lawyers will continue practicing if you set this precedent?" he asked. "I have no case to answer. Maybe someone wants me out of the profession and trapped me here over money that can be settled in a few days. I have a profession to protect—a career of over 30 years."
Meanwhile, the fourth accused in the case, lawyer Fred Makada, remains at large despite the issuance of criminal summons. The State has requested a warrant for his arrest.
Torch Media Africa
