KAMPALA, UGANDA: 03 April 2026– The Anti-Corruption Court has sentenced Pallisa Member of Parliament Hon. Otukol Samuel alongside other high-ranking local government officials to prison for their roles in a conspiracy that bled Namisindwa District of hundreds of millions of shillings.
The sentencing, delivered by Her Worship Esther Asiimwe on April 01, 2026 follows convictions on charges of causing financial loss, theft, and conspiracy to defraud. The court identified Hon. Otukol Samuel, an MP and Director of Samix Uganda Ltd and Zedkol Financial Services, as the “mastermind and orchestrator” of the heist.
Despite jumping court bond and failing to appear for his sentencing, the court handed him two years of imprisonment. He has also been ordered to pay a massive compensation totaling UGX 307,698,858 to the Namisindwa District Local Government. This sum covers funds stolen through his two companies.
The court highlighted a severe abuse of office by technical officers who facilitated the fraud:
Mr. Wamburu Willy (Acting CFO): Sentenced to 15 months imprisonment. As the Payroll Accountant and Acting Chief Finance Officer, he initiated the fictitious invoices and was found to have misadvised his superiors.
Mr. Odap Francis (Former CAO): Sentenced to 14 months imprisonment. As the highest-ranking technical officer, Odap approved the fraudulent payments. The court noted his remorse and poor health but emphasized his abuse of a high-trust position.
Both officials will serve their sentences concurrently. Notably, the court declined to order compensation against them, as the stolen money ultimately ended up in the accounts of their co-conspirators.
Mr. Osire Ezekiel, a director at Zedkol Financial Services and business partner to Hon. Otukol, was sentenced to pay fines totaling UGX 6.5 million.
As a co-signatory who helped withdraw the funds, Osire was also ordered to compensate Namisindwa District UGX 105,215,445 (representing 50% of the money stolen through Zedkol) within four months of serving his sentence.
A history of corruption:
In a stinging observation, the court noted that both Hon. Otukol and Mr. Osire are repeat offenders, having been previously convicted of similar charges. The prosecution, led by Senior State Attorney Emily Mutuzo Sendaula, argued successfully that the manner in which the crimes were committed—using fictitious invoices and shell companies—warranted firm custodial sentences.
“The court took into account the manner in which the crime was committed, each convict’s role, and the positions held… [Hon. Otukol] was the mastermind who utilized the money paid into his accounts.”
While some convicts sought leniency based on family obligations and age, Her Worship Asiimwe ruled that the sentences were necessary to serve the ends of justice for the people of Namisindwa.
