By Jane Nambi

Mike Mukula, the Soroti Municipality MP has been acquitted of all charges.

Mukula had been charged with embezzling Shs 210m of the Global Alliance Vaccine (GAVI) funds which he claimed he had returned. However, Judge Irene Akankwansa said despite his returning the monies, he had actually committed the crime and sent to four years in prison.

Mukula filed an appeal in court and appearing today in the Anti-corruption court, Judge Wangutusi acquitted him of all the charges. Judge Wangutusi said prosecution lacked enough evidence to pin him down. With this judgement, Mukula’s conviction of four years has been over turned and now, he is a free man.

Mukula, while in Luzira prison went on hunger strike saying he did not deserve the punishment he got especially since he took back the money in the Central Bank. In total, the GAVI funds amounted up to sh253m. The sh54m, Mukula proved had been asked for by the First Lady, Janet Museveni and her secretary, Margaret Karabo signed for the money upon receiving it.

His release comes just days after President Museveni offered sh100m to cover his legal fees.