Court Orders Gov’t to Unfreeze Ssemugenyi’s Shs 80 Billion Account
KAMPALA, UGANDA | The High Court has lifted a government order freezing the bank accounts of businessman Ssemugenyi, ruling that authorities failed to provide sufficient evidence to justify the action.
The case arose after government agencies flagged a transaction in which Shs 80 billion was deposited on Ssemugenyi’s account, suspecting possible fraud. However, presiding judge Muwata noted that the state did not present strong evidence such as transaction records or proof that the money was at risk of being concealed or misused.
The judge also criticized the freeze as “disproportionate,” highlighting the severe impact it had on scholarship beneficiaries who rely on the company’s funding. He stressed that while government has a duty to fight financial crime, this cannot be done at the expense of fundamental rights without clear justification.
In his ruling, Muwata referenced the landmark 2004 Supreme Court case Charles Onyango Obbo v. Attorney General, which underscored the principle that state actions must balance crime prevention with individual freedoms.
As a result, the judge set aside the freeze order initially issued by the Chief Magistrate’s Court and directed DFCU Bank to immediately unfreeze Ssemugenyi’s account and any other affected accounts.
The decision means Ssemugenyi’s company can now fully access its Shs 80 billion and resume normal operations.
