KAMPALA: MTN bosses still have case to answer - judge

By Monitor Reporter

The criminal charges against MTN’s top bosses remain even though a High Court judge dismissed criminal summons issued by a lower court, the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) said yesterday.

Mr Charles Mbiire, the chairman of the board of directors of telecom giant-MTN Uganda is facing 169 counts of alleged tax evasion. Mr Mbiire is jointly charged with 12 other directors, including South Africa-based top manager Sifiso Dabengwe of tax evasion, false declaration and conspiracy to falsify declaration.

The 12 include Chief Executive Officer Mazen Mroue, board members Khumo Sheunyane and Mozipho January Bardil.

Others are corporation secretary Anthony Mutyaba Katamba; chief finance officer Mike Blackburn and his predecessor, Mr Nigel Williams, as well as a former procurement manager Meryvin Immelman and his replacement, Mr Francois Terffoute; Ms Christian De Faria, Mr Ignasius Sehoole and Mr Mosipho Molope.

Kampala High Court Judge Lameck Mukasa confirmed the takeover of the case in the December 11, ruling contrary to reports that the charge of alleged tax evasion had been thrown out.

“The order for the DPP to conduct the prosecution of the case is hereby confirmed,” held Justice Mukasa in the ruling, adding; “The DPP is accordingly to take over and continue with the conduct of the proceedings in this matter.”

Ms Irene Nakimbugwe, the deputy spokesperson of the DPP, yesterday confirmed that the matter has been transferred to the directorate. “We are waiting to proceed with the matter when it comes up in early February next year,” she added.

However, Justice Mukasa quashed the earlier criminal summons issued by the Chief Magistrates Court at Buganda Road. However, in a statement issued on December 18, entitled ‘Judge throws out tax evasion charges against MTN Uganda’, the telecom firm alleged that the court had declared the criminal summons null and void.

The case arose after former MTN logistic officer Naphtali Were sued the company directors, accusing them of tax evasion.

Source: Daily Monitor (20/12/2012): http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/MTN-bosses-still-have-case-to-answer---judge/-/688334/1647964/-/gsads8z/-/index.html