Magistrate Asiimwe clarified that the prosecution’s claim that Ochieng stole sh474 million was not substantiated, as they failed to provide evidence demonstrating that such a loss occurred. The alleged amount was later revised to sh62 million, but again, no supporting evidence was presented.Despite these discrepancies, the court found compelling evidence of abuse of office, particularly through CCTV footage showing Ochieng pocketing old currency notes meant for disposal. The footage revealed Ochieng discreetly taking bundles of money and leaving the premises, actions deemed a violation of his official duties.
Ochieng’s misconduct occurred between November 2018 and August 2019 while he was working at BoU’s Mbale branch. In delivering the verdict, Magistrate Asiimwe stated that the prosecution had proven Ochieng’s abuse of office beyond reasonable doubt.State Attorney Nicholas Kawooya, representing the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), requested a three-and-a-half-year sentence, highlighting the breach of trust involved in Ochieng’s role at a key financial institution. Kawooya emphasized that Ochieng’s actions undermined the integrity expected from someone in his position.