Staff Reporter
The Magistrate’s Court in Ntungamo has remanded a milk quality controller from the Ntungamo Dairy Farmers’ Cooperative Union (NDAFCU) and indicted four other union officials for the theft of farmers’ milk valued at over UGX 400 million.
The five individuals were initially arrested by officials from the State House Anti-Corruption Unit following an audit conducted by the union board and the Ministry of Animal Industry, but they were released on bond.
On Thursday, Mr. Myers Muhimbura, the Union’s quality controller, was brought before Chief Magistrate Mr. Gordon Muhimbise in the Ntungamo Chief Magistrate’s Court. Muhimbura faced 66 counts of theft, to which he pleaded not guilty. He has been remanded until June 13, 2024, when he will reappear in court for a bail application hearing.
Chief Magistrate Mr. Muhimbise also issued arrest warrants for the other individuals: Laban Mugizi Rukangayo, the union accountant; Mr. Dan Abesigye Kakiza, the union manager; Mr. Caleb Turyahikayo; and Ms. Jennifer Kyampeire, all of whom are union workers. They have been charged with neglect of duty, which allegedly enabled Mr. Muhimbura to steal the farmers’ milk.
According to investigators, Mr. Muhimbura recorded lower quantities of milk collected from farmers and diverted the remaining funds into his account, a scheme he reportedly conducted for over three years.
