The Kazinda case: Putting Uganda’s illicit enrichment law to good use
The Kazinda case: Putting Uganda’s illicit enrichment law to good use
In a landmark case for Uganda, Geoffrey Kazinda, former Principal Accountant in the Office of the Prime Minister, was convicted in October 2020 for illicit enrichment under Uganda’s Anti-Corruption Act. Investigated and prosecuted by the Inspectorate of Government, the case established that Kazinda had accumulated wealth grossly disproportionate to his known income, including luxury hotel stays, a mansion on prime land in Kampala, and high-end vehicles. To conceal ownership, he registered assets in the names of religious figures and acquaintances, but forensic, financial, and witness evidence proved his control over the properties. The court sentenced him to 15 years in prison, issued confiscation orders for the assets, and barred him from holding public office for 10 years.
The case set an important precedent in Uganda’s fight against corruption by effectively applying illicit enrichment law and demonstrating the power of non-conviction based asset recovery tools. It showcased the value of methods like the Source and Application of Funds analysis, which can reveal unexplained wealth and help build strong evidence in court. The Kazinda prosecution, supported by training and guidance from the Basel Institute’s ICAR, highlights the increasing readiness of Ugandan authorities to challenge entrenched corruption through sophisticated financial investigations. It also encourages the broader use of Uganda’s legal framework to target illicit wealth among public servants and promote greater accountability.
Pilihan pendaftaran
Nama kursus The Kazinda case: Putting Uganda’s illicit enrichment law to good use
In a landmark case for Uganda, Geoffrey Kazinda, former Principal Accountant in the Office of the...