Veteran lawyer John Matovu to face trial over Shs7.7b Busoga compensation theft

The High Court has dismissed an application by veteran lawyer and former Uganda Law Society president John Matovu seeking to halt his trial, paving the way for proceedings over the alleged theft of more than Shs7.7 billion in war-loss compensation funds meant for Busoga Growers’ Cooperative Union.

Justice David Makumbi, while dismissing the application on Friday, ruled that Matovu’s application was premature, saying his concerns about the evidence and alleged violation of advocate-client privilege should first be raised before the trial court.

The judge consequently lifted a stay on the criminal proceedings before the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court and referred the case back for trial.

Matovu had asked the court to dismiss the criminal case, arguing that the money in question was received, held and disbursed by him in his capacity as an advocate and authorised agent of the union.