DPP seeks Immigration help to trace manager over sh200m theft

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The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has written to the Directorate of Citizenship and immigration control (DCIC) seeking the travel history of the Saltrans Ltd manager, who absconded from trial over the theft of shillings 200 million.

After the court issued a warrant of arrest against Nilshil Halai, which did not yield any results, the ODPP last week asked immigration authorities to help trace his whereabouts and provide details of his movements within the country and abroad.

On April 22, 2025, the Anti-Corruption Court in Nakasero, then presided over by Chief Magistrate Rachael Nakyazze, issued a warrant of arrest against Halai. However, he has yet to be apprehended.

The warrant was issued following an application by Chief State Attorney Nelly Asiku from the ODPP, who informed the court that Halai had failed to appear for the scheduled hearing. Asiku subsequently applied for a warrant of arrest, which the court granted.

The ODPP has requested that all information regarding Halai be provided to assist with the investigation and ensure that he is apprehended and brought to justice.

At the time of issuing the warrant of arrest, Halai's lawyer, Roland Kiggundu, also informed the court that he was unaware of the accused's whereabouts.

Charges

Prosecution led by Asiku alleges that Halai, between September and December 2022, at the office of Saltrans Ltd on the Sixth Street Industrial Area in Nakawa Division, Kampala city, allegedly stole money belonging to the company.

It is further alleged he committed the offence in his capacity while he was employed as the operations manager of the company.  So far one witness had testified before the accused skipped the trial. He denied the charge. 

The offence of embezzlement carries 14 years imprisonment or a fine not exceeding shillings 4.8milion or both. In addition, a person convicted of this offence is barred from holding public office for 10 years.

Magistrate Nakyazze noted that it was the second time the accused had failed to appear in court for the hearing of the case, making it justifiable to issue a warrant of arrest. Earlier, on February 19, 2025, when Halai failed to attend his trial, the court issued a criminal summons requiring him to appear on April 22, 2025. Again, he did not honour the court’s summons.