The fifth suspect in the theft of Shs 3.4 billion in cooperative money has been arrested, charged, and remanded.

Leonard Kavundira, the principal cooperative officer in the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, was arraigned on Monday before the Anti-Corruption Court on charges of conspiracy to defraud.

The accused conspired with his co-accused, who were earlier remanded, to divert over Shs 3.4B meant for war loss compensation by the government of Uganda to Buyaka Growers Cooperative Society for their personal use.

He has been remanded until July 9th, 2024.

Others in the same case include Hon. Mawanda Michael Maranga, the Igara East member of Parliament; Hon. Wamakuyu Ignatuis Mudimi of Elgon County in Bulambuli District; Hon. Akamba Paul of Busiki County in Namutumba District; Lawyer Kirya Julius of Kirya Company Advocates; and others still at large.

The suspects have been arrested in the ongoing investigations carried out by statehouse anti-corruption unit alongside CID.