Village Chairman convicted for over 200,000/- theft

KAGERA: THE Kagera Resident Magistrate’s Court has sentenced Siraji Amada Yusuph, a Chairman for Rusaka Village, in Buhendangabo Ward, in Bukoba DC to pay a fine of 500,000/-, or to serve one-year imprisonment, after he was convicted of stealing a total of 223,000/- belonging to Rushaka ‘B’ primary school.

The offence was committee contrary to Section 15 (1) (a) and (2) of the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) Act, Revised Edition 2023.

A prosecutor from the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB), William Fussi assisted by Daudi Jacob Oringa, told the court during the hearing of the case that the convict (Yusuph), who was a Chairman for Rusaka Village, convened a village assembly where the citizens unanimously agreed to contribute 223,000/- for the construction of a water tank at Rushaka ‘B’ primary school.

According to the prosecutor, Yusuph collected the money but instead of remitting the funds to the school committee for the intended purpose, he instead used the money for his personal interests.

Before passing the sentence, Kagera Resident Magistrate in-charge, Janeth Massesa noted that the prosecution had proved the Corruption Case No 24654/2025 beyond a reasonable doubt and sentenced him (Yusuph) to pay a fine of 500,000/- or to serve one year imprisonment term. He paid the fine.

Magistrate Massesa also ordered him to pay the 223,000/ to the Rushaka ‘B’ primary school committee within two weeks.

Meanwhile, a Security Officer at the Kagera Regional Commissioner’s office, Warioba Sayi has been sentenced to pay a fine of 500,000/- or to serve one year imprisonment term for unlawfully obtaining 4m/- from an individual promising to give employment to her son.