Mutamba, who is being prosecuted for embezzlement of about $19 million in public funds, could also face a decade of disqualification after serving his sentence, deprivation of the right to parole, and disqualification from holding public office.

According to Radio Okapi, although the defendant pleaded not guilty and called his trial a political conspiracy, the Prosecutor’s Office urged the court to sentence him in the hearing held the day before, and the ruling is expected on August 27.

The former Minister of Justice is being brought to court for the alleged embezzlement of US$19.9 million from the Reparation and Compensation Fund for Victims of Uganda’s Illicit Activities in the DRC.

The money was sent to the account of Zion Construction to carry out a prison construction project in Kisangani, Tshopo province, prompting the indictment of the Attorney General of the Court of Cassation, Firmin Mvonde, before the National Assembly.

These factors led the National Assembly to first authorize an investigation on May 29, during which all parties were heard; and then, on June 15, to decide to lift his parliamentary immunity.

Mutamba, also charged with contempt of court after reporting an alleged political conspiracy against him, was barred from leaving Kinshasa.

This, combined with the threat of an arrest warrant, made his position untenable, forcing him to resign on June 18.

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