Park Gen-hye was arrested last year over multiple abuse of power, bribery and coercion.

She was accused of letting her close friend Choi Soon-sil to extort money from big companies in return for political favours.

Read Also: 6 stunning photos of Miss Uganda UK Jan Mukiibi

The former South Korean leader, who wasn’t present for the ruling on Friday citing sickness, was also fined $17m.

In 2016, the South Korean President Park Gen-hye visited Uganda for a three-day state visit; the first by a South Korean president since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1963.

She held bi-lateral talks with President Museveni on promoting relations between Seoul and Kampala especially in the economic and trade sectors.

Tears and despair

But one thing was off, Park Geun-hye’s visit was marred with despair and tears among Ugandans after major roads in the country were blocked by gun and stick-wielding regular and military police officers citing security fears.

Entebbe road, Kampala Northern Bypass, Masaka highway and Bombo road were all blocked, including some parts of the city center.

The blocking of some major roads in and outside the capital, Kampala, also had a financial effect; fares were hiked since most motor vehicles were diverted to messy and costly alternative.