Author: Kennedy

Date: July 30, 2025

KAMPALA – In a powerful display of commitment to a multi-pronged fight against crime and corruption, the Head of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU), Brig Gen Henry Isoke, flagged off a symbolic walk to commemorate the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.

The event, organised by the Uganda Child Rights NGO Network (UCRNN) under the Ministry of Internal Affairs, served as a platform for stakeholders to advocate for safe labour migration and to address the pressing challenges facing the sector. It also called for a moment of national reflection on Uganda’s efforts in tackling the rising cases of Trafficking in Persons (TIP), particularly among vulnerable groups such as women, children, refugees, and persons with disabilities.

In his address, Brig. Gen. Isoke delivered a strong message that connected the anti-corruption fight directly to the battle against human trafficking. He highlighted that while Uganda has made commendable strides with the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act, 2009, true progress lies in its effective implementation, which is often greatly hindered by corruption. He underscored that corruption erodes the systems designed to protect citizens, creating loopholes that human traffickers exploit with impunity.

Human Trafficking, a grave violation of human rights, involves the recruitment, transportation, or hiring of persons for the purpose of exploitation, primarily sexual exploitation and forced labour.

The General emphasized that Uganda’s national action plan for the protection of TIP victims aligns with the strategies of the International Organization of Migration (IOM), which are founded on the 4Ps: Prevention of trafficking, Protection of victims, Prosecution of offenders, and working in Partnership with others. He asserted that the SH-ACU’s collaboration with agencies like the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Uganda Police Force (UPF), and the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) is a testament to the government’s commitment to this coordinated approach.

Furthermore, Brig. Gen. Isoke noted the government’s proactive commitment to empowering vulnerable populations through socio-economic programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, and the Youth Livelihood Program. He explained that these initiatives are designed to improve household incomes and reduce the economic desperation that traffickers often prey on.

He concluded his remarks by urging all participants and Ugandans at large to remain vigilant, report suspicious activity, and continue building a society where human life and rights are fully protected from all forms of exploitation and corruption.

Date: July 30, 2025

KAMPALA—The State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU), in a joint operation with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), has arraigned two advocates before the Buganda Chief Magistrates’ Court on serious charges related to a multi-million shilling fraud scheme.

The accused, Mr. Mwanjuzi Bob and Mr. Kalamu Lawrence, have been charged with forgery, conspiracy to commit a felony, and obtaining money by false pretenses. The charges stem from an incident on April 20, 2023, where the advocates, along with others still at large, are alleged to have conspired to produce a fraudulent lease agreement

This false document purported that a lease had been executed between SEMA Holding Limited and Ephrata Investment Group Ltd, a claim that was entirely untrue. The purpose of this deception was to obtain UGX 917 million from Ms. Kalpana Abe and her company, SEMA Holding Limited, under the pretense that the money would be invested in Ephrata Investment Group for a project at the Blackzone Recreation center, located at Plot 3A Lugogo By-Pass.

Following the arraignment, the court remanded the two advocates to prison until August 13, 2025.

The SH-ACU continues its efforts to work with partner agencies to hold all individuals, regardless of their profession, accountable for their actions and to protect the public from fraudulent schemes that undermine the integrity of business transactions.

Date: [July 15, 2025]

The Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court has convicted and sentenced Mr. Mpuga David, former Chairperson of the Rakai District Service Commission, to five years in prison or a fine of UGX 7.2 million after finding him guilty of extorting and demanding bribes from job applicants.

Court heard that Mpuga solicited UGX 20 million from a candidate seeking the position of Agricultural Officer in Rakai District. His actions abused the trust vested in the District Service Commission and undermined the integrity of public service recruitment.

As part of a plea bargain agreement, Mpuga agreed to compensate the victim with UGX 30 million. In addition, he has been barred from serving in government for the next 10 years.

The conviction comes as the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU) intensifies investigations into the sale of jobs by District Service Commissions across the country. Recent arrests and prosecutions have already been made in Mpigi and Gomba Districts, with operations set to extend to other regions.

The crackdown follows H.E. the President’s directive to investigate and hold accountable all public officials who exploit citizens by demanding bribes for employment opportunities.

SH-ACU, in collaboration with CID and the ODPP, remains committed to ensuring that recruitment into public service is based on merit, transparency, and integrity.

Date: [July 11, 2025]

The Head of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU), Brig Gen Henry Isoke, has called on the youth to embrace integrity and reject corruption as a way of honoring the legacy of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere.

He made the remarks at the launch of the 2nd Twende Zetu Butiama Pilgrimage Safari, held at Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Kampala. The youth-led journey, organized by Afrika Mashariki Fest (AMF), commemorates both the late Nyerere’s enduring legacy and 25 years of the revived East African Community (EAC).

Brig Gen Isoke thanked Dr. Ronex Kisembo, CEO of AMF, and his team for promoting EAC integration and Kiswahili, describing the initiative as one that rekindles “the spirit of integrity, sacrifice, Pan-Africanism and unity” envisioned by independence leaders like Nyerere.

He stressed that Twende Zetu Butiama is more than a safari—it is a pilgrimage of conscience to uphold Nyerere’s incorruptible legacy. He urged the youth to embody Mwalimu’s values of selflessness, integrity, and service, noting that true leadership is defined by character and accountability, not privilege.

Citing the strong political will from H.E President Kaguta Museveni and the Government to end corruption with a solid inter agency co-operation among the anti-corruption institutions including the IGG, ODPP, PPDA, CID and Intelligence agencies, Brig Isoke expressed opportunism that the vice of corruption in the country with be substantially checked.

He reminded the audience that every generation must “renew the fight for Africa’s soul by demanding accountability.”

The General also prayed for Nyerere’s family and the cause of his beatification, saying recognizing Nyerere’s “servant leadership” inspires generations. He hailed H.E President Yoweri Museveni for espousing values of Mwalimu Nyerere, including servant leadership. In conclusion, Brig Isoke challenged young Ugandans to reject corruption and live with integrity. “Every generation must renew the fight” for Africa’s soul by demanding accountability.

The launch was also attended by H.E. Amb. Maj Gen Paul Kisesa Simuli, Tanzania’s High Commissioner to Uganda, H.E Amb. Joash Maangi, the Kenyan High Commissioner to Uganda, and Prof. Mellau Lesakit Sipira Bernard, Vice Chancellor, Mwalimu Julius K. Nyerere University of Agriculture and Technology, Butiama.

Date: July 7th, 2025

The Anti-Corruption Division Court has convicted and sentenced four individuals over their involvement in the fraudulent procurement of a land title for part of the Lira Central Forest Reserve.

Those convicted are:

1. Omara Geoffrey – Former Physical Planner, Lira: Sentenced to pay a fine of UGX 2 million or serve 4 years in prison.
2. Ocen Alwong Joseph – Former Senior Land Management Officer, Lira: Sentenced to a fine of UGX 1 million or 2 years in prison.
3. Okello Lawrence – Businessman: Sentenced to pay a fine of UGX 6.4 million or 2 years in prison.
4. Okwiri Joel – Businessman: Sentenced to pay a fine of UGX 5 million or 2 years in prison.

The group faced multiple charges, including:

• Abuse of Office
• Fraudulent Procurement of a Certificate of Title
• Conspiracy to Commit a Felony
• Altering Boundary Marks
• Occupying a Central Forest Reserve for Commercial Purposes

The accused entered into a plea bargain with the prosecution, in which they pleaded guilty and were sentenced accordingly. In total, they will pay fines amounting to UGX 14.4 million or face imprisonment if they default.

As part of the settlement, businessman Okello Lawrence agreed to return the fraudulently obtained land title to the Commissioner of Land Registration for cancellation.

Additionally, the court ruled that all four convicted individuals are barred from holding public office for the next 10 years, reinforcing accountability and deterrence against misuse of authority in land administration.

This conviction highlights government’s determination to protect forest reserves and public land from encroachment, fraudulent titling, and illegal occupation. The case also serves as a warning to public officials and private individuals who conspire to exploit natural resources for personal gain.

Date: [June 10, 2025]

The State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU), working in partnership with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), has arraigned Mr. Twebaze Drake, a prominent lawyer, before the Buganda Road Magistrate’s Court on multiple charges, including Obtaining Money by False Pretenses, Conspiracy to Defraud, and Forgery.

September and December 2022, in Kampala City, Mr. Twebaze and others still at large allegedly defrauded Mr. Talib Antonio McDowell of KG Unlimited LLC, Florida, USA, of USD 553,500 (approximately UGX 2 billion).

The accused reportedly claimed that the money was required as a statutory compliance fee for pre-qualification to participate in a single-source bidding process for the supply of a water plant to the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industries, and Fisheries—a process which was fictitious.

Additionally, Mr. Twebaze and his co-accused allegedly forged a letter to KG Unlimited LLC, purporting it to have been authored by the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA) to bolster their fraudulent scheme.

This case highlights the dangers of sophisticated fraud schemes that not only target government institutions but also damage investor confidence in Uganda. SH-ACU, together with its partner agencies, remains steadfast in bringing to justice all individuals who exploit the legal and procurement systems for personal gain.

Date: [June 10, 2025]

The Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court has convicted and sentenced Matsiko Mutwingire Abert, the former Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Ibanda District, and Nuwagira Tom, the District Natural Resources Officer, to 18 months in prison for their role in the illegal allocation of government land.

In addition to the custodial sentence, both officials have been ordered to pay UGX 10,470,000 each to Ibanda District Local Government as compensation for the financial loss incurred during efforts to recover the land.

The court heard that the two officials, while serving in their respective capacities, abused their offices by unlawfully granting 13 hectares of Ibanda Forest Reserve to the Rukokoma Mixed Farmers Cooperative Society. This was done without seeking the required degazettement of the forest reserve, thereby contravening established procedures and laws safeguarding public land.

This conviction sends a strong message that government officials entrusted with the management of public resources will be held accountable for their actions. Protecting forest reserves and public land is critical not only for environmental conservation but also for ensuring equitable access to resources for future generations.

The State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU) remains committed to working with partner agencies to investigate, prosecute, and secure convictions in cases where public trust is betrayed through corruption and abuse of office.