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A Senior State Attorney at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has been charged with the theft of properties valued at UGX 10 million
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A Senior State Attorney at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has been charged with the theft of properties valued at UGX 10 million.
Zerald Peter Amalo, a resident of Omito Ward in Lira City West Division, appeared before the Anti-Corruption Court in Nakasero last week. The court, presided over by Senior Principal Grade One Magistrate Abert Asiimwe, had issued summons requiring Amalo to answer to the charges.
Amalo was charged with one count of embezzlement, contrary to Section 18(a)(III) of the Anti-Corruption Act, Cap 116, as amended. The offence carries a penalty of up to 14 years in prison, a fine of UGX 4.8 million, or both upon conviction. Additionally, anyone convicted under this Act is barred from holding public office for a period of 10 years.
The prosecution, led by Chief State Attorney Safina Bileke, alleges that between 2021 and 2022, while serving as the Resident State Attorney of Dokolo, Amalo stole four office fans, two filing cabinets, one water dispenser, and a presidential portrait—all valued at UGX 10 million. The stolen items were reportedly properties of the ODPP, to which Amalo had access by virtue of his position. Amalo, however, denied the charges.
Through his legal team, led by Mark Chir Chir, Amalo presented six sureties, all of whom were deemed substantial and in compliance with the Anti-Corruption Court's bail guidelines. Chir Chir argued that Amalo is a law-abiding citizen who would not abscond from trial, emphasizing that the accused is still presumed innocent.
Magistrate Asiimwe granted Amalo bail, setting the cash bail at UGX 1 million, while each of his sureties was required to execute a non-cash bond of UGX 5 million. Bileke informed the court that investigations are still ongoing and requested additional time for the police to complete their inquiries.
Torch Media Africa
