Matthew Bagonza, the Head of Secretariat at the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID), has been remanded to prison after appearing before Uganda’s Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala over allegations of abuse of office and money laundering.
Bagonza appeared before court on Thursday, September 17, 2026, where prosecutors presented two counts against him.
According to the prosecution, Bagonza allegedly transferred Shs171.7 million from an account held in the name of the Office of the President–PACEID at Housing Finance Bank, Kololo Branch, to his personal account at the same bank.
The alleged transactions are said to have occurred between September 2023 and August 2026.
Prosecutors further accuse Bagonza of abusing his office by being involved in the incorporation of a private company in January 2024 whose objectives were allegedly similar to those of his employer.
The prosecution alleges that the actions were contrary to his official responsibilities and prejudicial to the interests of the Government.
Bagonza was not required to enter a plea because the offences brought against him are capital in nature and are triable by the High Court.
Prosecution also told court that investigations into the allegations were still ongoing.
The court subsequently remanded Bagonza to prison until October 5, 2026, when he is expected to return for further proceedings.
His court appearance was attended by several relatives and senior figures associated with PACEID, including the organisation’s chairman, Odrek Rwabwogo, and his wife, Bishop Patience Rwabwogo, who is a daughter of President Yoweri Museveni.
The case follows weeks of public attention surrounding Bagonza’s detention.
Bagonza was previously arrested from his home in Entebbe in August 2026. His detention was later publicly confirmed by Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
The circumstances surrounding that earlier detention generated public interest before the latest criminal charges were brought before court.
PACEID has previously expressed concern over Bagonza’s detention and said it was pursuing clarification through the appropriate legal channels.
Bagonza’s latest appearance before the Anti-Corruption Court now places the allegations concerning the handling of funds and the incorporation of the private company before the judicial process.
The prosecution is expected to continue with investigations as the case progresses.
Bagonza has not been convicted of any offence. The allegations against him remain unproven, and he is presumed innocent unless and until a competent court determines otherwise.