KAMPALA, Uganda – April 1, 2026 – The Anti-Corruption Court has sentenced Member of Parliament Hon. Otukol Samuel to 18 months and 2 years’ imprisonment on theft charges, alongside two senior district officials and a business partner, over a scheme that caused millions in losses to Namisindwa District Local Government.
The convicts – Otukol (MP and Director of Samix Uganda Ltd and Zedkol Financial Services), Odap Francis (former Chief Administrative Officer, CAO), Wamburu Willy (Acting Chief Financial Officer), and Osire Ezekiel (Director, Zedkol Financial Services) – were found guilty of causing financial loss, theft, and conspiracy to defraud.
Hon. Otukol Samuel received 18 months on count 2 and 2 years on count 4 of theft. On counts 6 and 7 (conspiracy to defraud), he was sentenced to 18 months and 2 years respectively. He was further ordered to compensate Namisindwa District a total of UGX 307,698,858 – comprising UGX 202,483,413 stolen through Samix Uganda Ltd, and UGX 105,215,445 (50% of UGX 210,430,890 stolen through Zedkol Financial Services).
Mr. Odap Francis, former CAO, was sentenced to 12, 14, and 8 months on counts 1, 3, and 5 (causing financial loss), and 12 and 14 months on counts 6 and 7 (conspiracy). All sentences run concurrently, effective 14 months imprisonment.
Mr. Wamburu Willy, Acting CFO, received 12, 15, and 10 months for financial loss, and 12 and 15 months for conspiracy – all concurrent, effective 15 months.
Mr. Osire Ezekiel was fined UGX 3.5 million and UGX 3 million on counts 4 and 7, and ordered to pay UGX 105,215,445 compensation (50% of the Zedkol amount).
Presiding over the judgment, Her Worship Esther Asiimwe noted that each convict’s role and abuse of office guided the sentences.
· Odap Francis, as highest-ranking technical officer, approved fictitious invoices. The court considered his advanced age, remorse, and health conditions but emphasized he had abused public trust.
· Wamburu Willy initiated the fake invoices and misadvised the CAO while holding dual roles as Payroll Accountant and Acting CFO. The court noted he has a young family but condemned his breach of trust.
· Hon. Otukol Samuel was described as the “mastermind and orchestrator” of the entire scheme. He utilized the money paid into his company accounts, was a previous convict for similar offences, and jumped court bond after the hearing, failing to appear for judgment and sentencing. The court declined to specify a compensation payment duration due to his absence.
· Osire Ezekiel, a prior convict alongside Otukol, was a co-signatory to Zedkol’s account and participated in withdrawals. The court considered his family responsibilities in mitigation but ordered compensation within four months after serving his sentence.
No compensation orders were issued against Odap or Wamburu, as the court found the stolen funds ultimately went to Otukol and Osire.
The case was prosecuted by Emily Mutuzo Sendaula, Senior State Attorney.
