The embezzlement trial of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) former justice minister, Constant Mutamba, proceeded on Friday, August 1st, 2026, despite his absence from the courtroom. Mutamba is accused of embezzling approximately $20 million intended for the Uganda Victims’ Reparations Fund.

On Monday, July 28th, Mutamba abruptly left a hearing at the Court of Cassation, alleging that authorities had violated his rights. He did not attend Friday’s session, during which his co-defendant, Chancard Bukolela, took the stand. Bukolela was responsible for managing reparations awarded to the DRC by the International Court of Justice for abuses committed by Uganda.

Both defendants face charges connected to compensation payments funded by a $325 million reparations fund. Mutamba is currently serving a three-year house arrest sentence for other embezzlement offenses. Sources close to him have reportedly indicated that he will not return for the trial’s closing arguments scheduled for Wednesday, August 6th, 2026.

Sources