Centenary Bank Refunds 10M Stolen Cash, Theft Charges against Manager Dropped

Centenary Bank has refunded money siphoned from a client’s account, prompting the withdrawal of theft charges against a bank manager and teller.

40-year-old Barnabas Ssekasi, 37-year-old Sylvia Namuwawu, a teller appeared before Buganda Road Court and denied theft charges.

Prosecution, led by Allan Muchuguzi, told the court that the accused were indicted for allegedly stealing 10.3 million shillings belonging to Maldes Advocates on June 10, 2025, at Centenary Bank’s Mapeera branch in Kampala.

Mucunguzi went on to inform the court that the complainants have since entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Centenary Bank, which refunded the funds, and they are no longer interested in pursuing this matter after the bank also paid an additional 2 million shillings as costs incurred by them.

Court records show that the law firm, represented by Bernard Mutyaba, initially lodged a complaint to police, leading to the arrest and charge of the two employees. 

The Memorandum of Understanding, dated September 2025, was read before the court and signed by representatives of both the law firm and Centenary Bank. 

After confirming the settlement, Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi discharged the pair.

The prosecution had alleged that the duo, together with others still at large, conspired to steal Shs10,300,000 from the law firm’s account. 

With the agreement now recorded, the case has been formally struck off the court record with the complainants’ lawyer confirming that no further action will be pursued against the bank.