By Wamala Sipirian
Published: September 19, 2026
The head of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Export and Industrial Development (PACEID) Secretariat, Matthew Bagonza, has been remanded to Luzira Prison after appearing before the Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala over allegations of money laundering and abuse of office.
Bagonza appeared before the court in connection with allegations arising from his work as head of the PACEID Secretariat, an institution operating under the Office of the President.
The prosecution alleges that Bagonza was involved in transferring about Shs171 million from an account linked to PACEID to his personal bank account. The allegations have not been proven in court.
According to the prosecution, the transactions allegedly took place between September 2023 and August 2026 and involved funds held in a PACEID-related account at Housing Finance Bank.
Prosecutors allege that the transfers were intended to conceal or disguise the alleged illegal origin of the funds.
Bagonza Does Not Take Plea
During the court session, Bagonza did not take a plea after his lawyers challenged the jurisdiction of the Anti-Corruption Court to handle the charges at that stage.
The court subsequently remanded him to Luzira Prison as investigations into the allegations continue. The matter is expected to return to court for further directions.
Bagonza is also accused of abuse of office. Prosecutors allege that he was involved in the creation of a private entity whose objectives were similar to those of PACEID.
The specific allegations remain subject to the court process, and Bagonza is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty by a competent court.
Patience and Odrek Rwabwogo Attend Court
The proceedings attracted public attention after President Yoweri Museveni’s daughter, Bishop Patience Rwabwogo, and her husband, Odrek Rwabwogo, attended the court session.
Odrek Rwabwogo chairs PACEID, while Bagonza serves as head of its Secretariat.
The couple’s presence drew interest because of their association with the committee and its leadership.
The case had already attracted attention following reports of Bagonza’s arrest and detention as investigations into the allegations progressed.
PACEID leadership had previously stated that concerns involving the organisation should be handled through appropriate legal and institutional channels.
What Happens Next
The case will proceed through the judicial process, with prosecutors expected to present evidence supporting the allegations and the defence given an opportunity to respond.
The remand decision does not establish Bagonza’s guilt or innocence. It allows the investigations and court proceedings to continue.
PACEID was established to support Uganda’s export and industrial development agenda, including efforts focused on trade, investment and market access for Ugandan products.
Further developments are expected as the case returns to court.