The State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU), working jointly with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), has arraigned two senior officials from Kamuli District before the Anti-Corruption Court on charges of abuse of office and causing financial loss.
The accused are Mukiibi Nasser, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), and Kifuuse Alex, the Chief Finance Officer (CFO). The duo is alleged to have conspired with another suspect still at large to embezzle public funds intended for infrastructure development.
According to investigations, between May and June 2025, while serving in their respective capacities at Kamuli District Local Government, the accused abused the authority of their offices and carried out actions prejudicial to the interests of their employer by fraudulently processing and approving payments amounting to over UGX 600 million.
The payments were reportedly made to various suppliers, including Raven Knights Ltd, Total Uganda Limited, and Mufumba Daniel, the District Engineer. The funds were meant to facilitate the procurement of fuel, construction materials, diversion and traffic control signs, as well as allowances for rehabilitation works on the Nawanyago–Kisozi Road.
Investigations, however, indicate that the planned works for the 2024/2025 financial year were never executed, despite the full disbursement of funds.
The accused officials have since been remanded and are expected to return to court on January 20, 2026, as investigations continue.
The State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU), in collaboration with the Uganda Police Force, has arrested four officials from Kotido District over allegations of mismanagement and embezzlement of public funds meant for road works.
The suspects, all attached to Kotido Municipal Council, are accused of involvement in the alleged misappropriation of approximately UGX 1 billion allocated for the rehabilitation and maintenance of roads within the municipality.
The arrested officials have been identified as Okaja Emmanuel (Town Clerk), Okidi Gasper (Senior Civil Engineer), Akello Deo Nyanga (Senior Internal Auditor), and Lokure John Bosco (Assistant Inventory Officer).
Preliminary investigations indicate that the accused conspired to embezzle over UGX 200 million intended for the procurement of construction materials during the 2024/2025 financial year. The materials reportedly included 1,735.7 trips of gravel, 250 bags of cement, 25 trips of hardcore, and 10 trips of sand.
Authorities further allege that the Town Clerk and the Senior Civil Engineer neglected their official duties by failing to adequately supervise and monitor road construction and maintenance works, as well as ensure adherence to approved guidelines.
Several road projects are said to have been affected by the alleged misconduct, including Miresiae–Napawu Road, Morungor–Kotyanga Road, Nangayum–Kawlapei Road, Chairman’s Road, Business Road, and Romrom–Nakutakuwam Road.
Investigations remain ongoing, and the suspects are expected to be arraigned before court to face charges related to embezzlement, abuse of office, and neglect of duty.
The State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU) has participated in the National Open Court Day organized by the Judiciary of Uganda at Kololo, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration within the justice sector.
Held under the theme “Enhancing Judicial Accountability and Access to Justice,” the event brought together key stakeholders from across the justice system to engage directly with the public, promote transparency, and build trust in judicial processes.
The Open Court Day provided a platform for institutions to demystify court procedures, respond to public inquiries, and offer interactive sessions that encouraged feedback and dialogue between citizens and justice sector actors.
SH-ACU’s participation underscores its commitment to fostering strong partnerships in the fight against corruption. The Unit works closely with other anti-corruption and accountability agencies, including the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the Office of the Auditor General (OAG), and the Uganda Police Force, among others.
Through such coordinated efforts, SH-ACU and its partners aim to enhance the timely response to corruption complaints and improve service delivery within the justice system.
Officials noted that initiatives like the National Open Court Day play a critical role in bridging the gap between the public and justice institutions, ultimately strengthening accountability and ensuring greater access to justice for all citizens.
The Head of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU), Brig. Gen. Henry Isoke, has called on students across Western Uganda to embrace patriotism as a key weapon in the fight against corruption.
On November 28, 2025, Brig. Gen. Isoke delivered a keynote presentation on “Patriotism: A Weapon in the War Against Corruption” to over 1,500 students participating in a patriotism training program at Mbarara High School in Mbarara. Later in the day, he addressed more than 900 students at Nyakasura School and Bukuku Community Secondary School in Fort Portal.
The training programs were organized by the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps as part of ongoing efforts to instill national values among the youth.
In his address, Brig. Gen. Isoke urged students to uphold integrity, discipline, and responsibility as guiding principles in their lives and future careers. He reminded them that the fight against corruption is a shared responsibility, emphasizing that every Ugandan including young people has a constitutional duty to protect public resources and promote accountability.
“Corruption steals opportunities, weakens institutions, and slows national development,” he said, warning that its effects are felt across all sectors of society.
The General also highlighted common forms of corruption within the education system, including examination malpractice, misuse of school resources, illegal fees, ghost teachers, and absenteeism. He challenged students to take a stand against such practices and become ambassadors of integrity in their schools and communities.
Brig. Gen. Isoke commended the leadership of the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps for their continued commitment to nurturing a patriotic and responsible generation. He also expressed appreciation to the host institutions, thanking Mr. Haam Ahimbisibwe of Mbarara High School and Rev. Canon Richardson Balinda of Nyakasura School for facilitating the training sessions.
He further acknowledged the role of Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in promoting patriotism as a cornerstone of national development.
“It is through patriotism that corruption will be defeated. When corruption thrives, a nation loses strength; when integrity thrives, a nation rises,” Brig. Gen. Isoke emphasized.
He concluded by noting that Uganda’s continued peace and socio-economic transformation must be safeguarded through collective efforts to eliminate corruption, describing the fight as a top government priority.
November 25th, 2025: The State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU) held a baraza with administrators of Mbarara City, market leaders, and vendors operating in Mbarara Central Market to address a range of grievances affecting traders.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including Ms. Nandawula Sarah, Town Clerk of Mbarara City South Division, alongside representatives of vendors and investigators from SH-ACU. It aimed to provide a platform for vendors to air their concerns and explore practical solutions.
Opening the session, Emmanuel Muhumuza, Chairperson of the Market Vendors, commended Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for the government’s investment in constructing a modern and well-equipped market facility. However, he highlighted several persistent challenges that continue to hinder business operations and growth.
Among the key concerns raised were high electricity bills and frequent power outages, allegations of corruption within the Market Vendors’ Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO), extortion of traders, and inadequate office space.
Vendors expressed frustration over being overcharged for electricity, attributing the problem to the lack of individual meters for each stall. They noted that the current shared billing system leads to unfair charges and called for the installation of prepaid meters. Additionally, traders proposed exploring alternative energy sources such as solar power or generators to mitigate the impact of regular blackouts.
In her remarks, Town Clerk Nandawula Sarah assured the vendors that the city authorities are actively working to resolve these issues. She revealed that the city has already initiated the process of procuring a service provider to install individual electricity meters, a move expected to improve billing transparency and reduce disputes. She also indicated that the city is considering alternative energy solutions to ensure a reliable and cost-effective power supply within the market.
Speaking on behalf of SH-ACU, Principal Legal Officer Sebikari Samuel emphasized that the Unit’s mandate includes investigating corruption and embezzlement. He assured vendors that their concerns, particularly allegations of financial mismanagement within the SACCO and extortion, are being taken seriously.
He further noted that SH-ACU will work closely with relevant stakeholders, including the Ministry of Local Government, the Resident City Commissioner, and the City Clerk’s office, to expedite investigations and ensure accountability.
Constructed between 2015 and 2020 by the Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Local Government, Mbarara Central Market is part of a broader national initiative to modernize markets under the Market and Agricultural Trade Improvement Programme (MATIP). The initiative covered several markets across the country, including those in Entebbe, Lugazi, Kasese, Masaka, Tororo, Busia, Soroti, Arua, Moroto, Kitgum, and Kabale.
Currently hosting over 1,700 vendors, the market plays a vital role in supporting small-scale traders and improving the marketing of agricultural produce. The baraza forms part of ongoing efforts by SH-ACU to engage citizens, address service delivery gaps, and strengthen the fight against corruption at the grassroots level.
November 7th 2025: The Anti-Corruption Court has convicted and sentenced Mr. Ateng Francis, a former Principal Assistant Secretary at the Ministry of Lands, Lira Zonal Office, to three years’ imprisonment on eleven counts, including abuse of office, fraudulent procurement of a certificate of title, forgery, uttering false documents, and conspiracy to commit a felony.
The sentencing follows his earlier conviction on charges stemming from a scheme to fraudulently acquire and sell public land belonging to the Uganda Railways Corporation (URC) in Lira District.
SH-ACU investigations had earlier indicated that in January 2018, while serving at the Ministry of Lands’ Zonal Office in Lira District, Ateng abused his authority alongside others to facilitate the issuance of a special certificate of title over URC land. He reportedly orchestrated the subdivision and allocation of the land, identified brokers, and oversaw its sale to private individuals without following established procedures for the disposal of government property.
Prosecution revealed that Ateng and his accomplices forged the signature of the then Managing Director of URC and used the falsified documents to process and legitimize the illegal transfer and sale of the land.
One of his co-accused, Ocen Joseph, had earlier pleaded guilty to similar charges and was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.
The case is part of wider investigations launched following a 2022 directive by Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, instructing the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU), in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), to investigate corruption within Uganda Railways Corporation and prosecute individuals involved in the disposal of its assets.
The Head of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, Brig. Gen. Henry Isoke, on Thursday (17 October, 2025) held an interactive engagement with 404 staff and students of Jinja School of Nursing and Midwifery who were undergoing Patriotism and Mindset Change Training at the institution.
The training was organized by the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps Uganda and aimed at instilling national values, ethical leadership, and responsible citizenship among health professionals in training.
During his interaction with the medical students, Brig. Gen. Isoke emphasized that patriotism and mindset change are critical tools in the fight against corruption, particularly within the health sector. He noted that true patriotism goes beyond rhetoric and must be reflected in daily professional conduct through integrity, empathy, discipline, and teamwork in service delivery.
“Patriotism in healthcare is not about words. It is a daily discipline. Every honest act of care is an act of patriotism,” Brig. Gen. Isoke said.
He further echoed H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s call on all citizens to actively resist corruption, quoting the President’s guidance that every Ugandan must “fight corruption wherever you are, and fight for your portion.”
The General urged the students to embrace mindset transformation, reminding them that corruption often begins with individual choices. He challenged future health workers to uphold the values of accountability, stewardship, and professionalism as they prepare to serve in various health facilities across the country.
While acknowledging persistent reports of corruption in some government institutions, including within the health sector, Brig. Gen. Isoke highlighted significant strides made by government in improving healthcare services. These include expanded ICU capacity, reduced maternal mortality, and a marked decline in mother-to-child HIV transmission and related mortality rates.
In his closing remarks, Brig. Gen. Isoke cautioned that corruption in healthcare is particularly destructive, noting that it does not only deprive patients of medicine but also costs lives and undermines the nation’s future. He urged the student nurses and midwives to be prepared to play their part in fighting corruption wherever they will be deployed.
He also commended the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps, led by Commissioner Ms. Hellen Seku, for its continued efforts to promote patriotism and positive values among the youth.
Brig. Gen. Isoke was received by Ms. Mulabiza Mebra, Principal of Jinja School of Nursing and Midwifery; Ms. Zalwango Madina, Principal Officer in charge of Higher Institutions at the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps; and Mr. Waiswa Zawayo, Patriotism Coordinator for Iganga.
The Head of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, Brig Gen Henry Isoke, on Friday 26th September, 2025, joined regional dignitaries to flag off participants of the second Twende Zetu Butiama Pilgrimage Safari, a youth-led initiative organized by Afrika Mashariki Fest (AMF).
The event brought together key regional leaders, including H.E. Amb . Maj. Gen. Paul Kisesa Simuli, the High Commissioner of the United Republic of Tanzania to Uganda, and H.E. Amb. Joash Maangi, the High Commissioner of the Republic of Kenya to Uganda. The pilgrimage marks the legacy of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and celebrates 26 years of the revived East African Community (EAC).
Delivering remarks as the Chief Guest, H.E. Amb. Maj. Gen. Paul Kisesa Simuli expressed gratitude to H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the First Lady, Mama Janet Kataaha Museveni, for sponsoring the pilgrimage. He warmly welcomed the participants to Tanzania and urged them to use the journey as an opportunity to deeply study and embrace the values of Mwalimu Nyerere, calling upon the youth to take sole responsibility for advancing East African unity.
H.E. Amb. Joash Maangi underscored the urgency of regional integration, stating that “the time for East African integration is now.” He challenged the youth to identify as East Africanists, emphasizing that regional unity is key to economic growth, prosperity, and poverty eradication.
Addressing the participants, Brig. Gen. Henry Isoke called on the youth to embrace integrity and the incorruptible character exemplified by Mwalimu Julius Nyerere. He emphasized the need for young people to return from the pilgrimage renewed and committed to the fight against corruption, noting that corruption accounts for over 5 percent of global GDP losses annually, and continues to undermine development and moral values across societies.
The CEO of Afrika Mashariki Fest, Dr. Kisembo Tendo, reflected on the outcomes of the first edition of the pilgrimage, which produced the Butiama Accord a document later presented to EAC Heads of State advocating for deeper regional integration, anti-corruption efforts, youth investment, and the adoption of Kiswahili. He noted that the second edition aims to further promote Kiswahili and instill East African Community values among the next generation. Dr. Tendo concluded by thanking H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his unwavering support toward the pilgrimage initiative.
MIGYERA – In a move to strengthen the government’s preemptive strike against corruption, the Head of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU), Brig. Gen. Henry Isoke, yesterday held a powerful interactive session with intelligence officers undergoing the Officer Basic Intelligence Course (OBIC) at the School of Military Intelligence and Security. The Head of the Unit was received by the Commandant of the School, Col. James Muhumuza.
Describing intelligence officers as the “first line of defense,” Brig. Gen. Isoke emphasized the pivotal role they play in detecting and neutralizing corruption risks before they escalate into full-blown crises. He emphasized that corruption is a destructive vice that erodes institutional legitimacy, fuels conflict, and significantly weakens the effectiveness of national security organs. He stressed to the officers that they have a sacred duty to expose, disrupt, and prevent this vice before it becomes systemic.
Brig. Gen. Isoke provided a comprehensive overview of the government’s robust anti-corruption efforts, highlighting the legal and institutional frameworks already in place. These critical instruments include the Anti-Corruption Act, Leadership Code Act, Whistleblower Protection Act, Access to Information Act, and the Public Finance Management Act, among others.
He urged the officers to embrace anti-corruption values not merely as an operational responsibility but as a profound patriotic duty. In his remarks, he echoed the rallying cry of H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni: “You have to fight corruption wherever you are. Fight for your portion.” He also re-sounded the words of CDF Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, reminding the officers that “Excellency in the military demands a resolute stance against the evils of corruption and resource mismanagement.”
Concluding his session, Brig. Gen. Isoke delivered a final, resolute message: “The war on corruption is not won through indifference or inaction. It is won through discipline, information, duty, and the courage to act.”
KAMPALA – In a significant move to strengthen trade and economic ties, Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Uganda, H.E. Ambassador John Shama Shaga, paid a courtesy call on the Head of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU), Brig. Gen. Henry Isoke, and his team. The high-level meeting, held at the SH-ACU offices, focused on a collaborative approach to addressing fraud that targets potential investors.
The two parties highlighted the long-standing cooperation between Nigeria and Uganda and noted that this relationship can be significantly enhanced through bilateral trade, particularly under the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). They recognized that while the AfCFTA presents immense opportunities for economic growth and shared prosperity, these efforts are often hindered by the persistent threat of fraudulent schemes.
Brig. Gen. Isoke and Ambassador Shaga engaged in a fruitful discussion on practical ways in which the SH-ACU and the Nigerian High Commission can work together to protect investors from deceptive practices. They noted that fraudsters frequently target foreign investors with elaborate scams involving fake government contracts, counterfeit mineral deals, and fraudulent land transactions. Such criminal activities not only lead to financial losses but also tarnish the investment climate of Uganda.
The meeting highlighted the importance of a coordinated, cross-border strategy to dismantle these fraudulent networks. The SH-ACU, through its sister agency, the State House Investors Protection Unit (SH-IPU), has been at the forefront of foiling such scams and recovering millions of dollars for defrauded investors. By establishing a direct line of communication and cooperation, the two entities can create a safer and more predictable environment for Nigerian and Ugandan investors alike.
Both parties concluded the meeting with a shared commitment to building a robust framework for intelligence sharing and mutual support. This collaboration is set to become a cornerstone of their joint efforts to ensure that the promise of increased bilateral trade under AfCFTA is not undermined by corruption and fraud. They called upon all stakeholders to exercise vigilance and to leverage official channels for due diligence, ensuring that their investments are secure and their ventures are successful.
