A Grade II Magistrate named Mr. Peter Kercan Prosper has been sent to Koch Prison in Nebbi District for allegedly stealing 402 million Ugandan Shillings. The money was intended to compensate the community in Nyaravur sub-county.
Mr. Kercan Prosper was mediating a land conflict between the Ministry of Defence and 67 community members in Angal. This conflict arose from damages caused by the UPDF in 2003. However, it is alleged that he misappropriated the compensation funds.
The prosecution claims that Kercan received the money from the Ministry of Defence but did not deliver it to the community members. As a result, the community members sought justice through the courts.
Although Mr. Kercan has the right to request bail, the court couldn’t grant it due to the absence of the Resident State Attorney. He will remain in prison until October 13, 2023, when a bail hearing is scheduled.
One of the complainants, Mr. Justine Ongiera, stated that the community had taken the government to court over trespass and damages caused by the UPDF. The case was ruled in their favor, but after receiving the compensation money, Mr. Kercan allegedly used it for his own gain.
Kercan expressed remorse in court and suggested settling the matter outside of court, claiming he has substantial sureties to produce in court.
In a related development, back in 2017, Kercan Peter Prosper was suspended from work for resisting his transfer from Nabweru to Kiboga. His refusal to take up the transfer was considered insubordination under the Public Service Orders. During his interdiction, he received half pay and was not allowed to leave the country without permission.
