October 11, 2024: The State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU), in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), has arraigned six suspects before the Entebbe Chief Magistrate’s Court over a gold scam at Entebbe International Airport.
The arrests followed a targeted operation on 30th September 2024, after intelligence reports indicated fraudulent activities involving fake gold consignments.
The suspects were identified as:
Kananura Daniel – Businessman
Mpomba Richard – Clearing Agent at Entebbe International Airport
Muhwezi Benon – Clearing Agent at Entebbe International Airport
Nkahirwa Pascal – Clearing Agent in Kampala
Mujuzi John Kennedy – Cleaner at Entebbe International Airport
Bekalaze Ismail – Clearing Agent at Entebbe International Airport
During the operation, security teams intercepted 11 plastic boxes containing 300 metal bars, which the suspects claimed were gold. The group allegedly intended to use the consignment to defraud unsuspecting investors and businessmen.
However, a forensic analysis conducted by mineral experts from the Directorate of Geological Survey and Mines revealed that the bars were not gold but other minerals.
The six suspects have been charged with:
Dealing in minerals without a license
Mingling minerals with intent to defraud
Smuggling minerals
They were remanded until 25th October 2024, as investigations continue.
The Unit urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to mineral trade.
October 7th, 2025: The State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU), working in close collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), has arraigned the Chairperson of the Rakai District Service Commission, Mr. Mpuga David, before the Anti-Corruption Court.
Mr. Mpuga faces three counts of corruption after allegedly soliciting and receiving UGX 20 million from a candidate, with the promise of securing him employment as an Agricultural Officer in Rakai District.
His arrest followed a public outcry to the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Rakai, who received multiple complaints that the accused was consistently demanding bribes from candidates for every job vacancy advertised by the District Service Commission.
Appearing before the court this afternoon, Mr. Mpuga was formally charged and has since been remanded until 14th October 2024 as investigations continue.
The Unit reiterates its call to the public to report any suspected acts of corruption for prompt action.
September 17, 2024, The Head of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU), Brig. Gen. Henry Isoke, addressed officers attending an advanced intelligence course at the School of Military Intelligence in Migyera. He was welcomed by the Commandant of the School, Col. James Muhumuza, who commended Brig. Gen. Isoke for his continued leadership in combating corruption.
The Commandant of the Intelligence School, Col. James Muhumuza after welcoming the SH-ACU Head Brig Isoke at their premises
In his remarks, Brig. Gen. Isoke emphasized that corruption poses a significant threat to national security, stating that it undermines critical aspects of the nation, including the economy, environment, military, and the very pillars of the state. He pointed out that corruption not only weakens national institutions but also creates grievances among the public, erodes state legitimacy, and contributes to crime and instability, all of which hinder effective service delivery.
Brig. Gen. Isoke explained that corruption within the military, such as the theft of fuel, rations, pensions, allowances, and salaries, directly compromises the effectiveness and operational readiness of the armed forces. He stressed that curbing these corrupt practices is crucial to maintaining the strength and integrity of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
The role of intelligence agencies in fighting corruption was also a key focus of Brig. Gen. Isoke’s address. He highlighted how SHACU relies on intelligence-led operations, collaborating closely with other intelligence agencies to track and follow up on tips through human and technical intelligence. These efforts enable the early detection of corruption, preventing its spread and impact.
Brig. Gen. Isoke also acknowledged the various government efforts to combat corruption, mentioning the existence of multiple legislations and institutions working in complementary roles. He emphasized the importance of a coordinated and multi-agency approach in the fight against corruption.
In conclusion, Brig. Gen. Isoke thanked the UPDF leadership, particularly the Chief of Defense Intelligence and Security (CDIS), for their dedication to raising the professionalism of intelligence officers through continuous training. He also commended Col. Muhumuza for the ongoing transformation of the School of Military Intelligence, both in terms of the quality of training and the development of physical infrastructure.
This engagement reaffirms SHACU’s commitment to working with intelligence and military institutions in its mission to fight corruption and safeguard Uganda’s national security.
September 13, 2024. In an effort to enhance youth engagement and participation in the fight against corruption, the Head of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU), Brig. Gen. Henry Isoke, along with the Head of the State House Investors’ Protection Unit (SHIPU), Col. Edith Nakalema, joined students at Makerere University and other universities for a public dialogue. The event, organized by the Makerere University Guild, focused on youth and students’ perspectives on the impact of corruption on social and economic transformation in Uganda.
The dialogue highlighted the importance of engaging young voices, particularly university students, as key players in the fight against corruption. Their views are critical in shaping the narrative toward a corruption-free Uganda, a goal shared by SHACU and the Government.
Brig. Gen. Isoke expressed his appreciation for the leadership of Makerere University, particularly Vice-Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, as well as the students from Makerere and other universities for their commitment to this important cause. He extended his gratitude to Col. Edith Nakalema for coordinating with student leaders to convene the dialogue and for her tireless efforts in fighting corruption.
Addressing the students, Brig. Gen. Isoke emphasized that the fight against corruption is a collective responsibility. He highlighted the four pillars of national development—Patriotism, Pan-Africanism, Socio-economic Transformation, and Democracy—and encouraged the students to promote these values. He urged them to be independent thinkers, free from manipulation by those with unpatriotic agendas.
Brig Gen Isoke also commended the students for articulating their views on corruption and assured them of the government’s strong commitment to eliminating the vice. He outlined the ongoing efforts by the government and SHACU to fight corruption, emphasizing that the involvement of Uganda’s youth is crucial in achieving meaningful progress.
Head SHIP, Col. Nakalema echoed the importance of youth involvement in national development, emphasizing their role in fighting unemployment and corruption. She urged the students to unite as co-creators of wealth and champions of Uganda’s progress. Quoting George Bernard Shaw, she stressed that poverty is “the greatest of evils” and called on young Ugandans to actively improve their welfare and that of their communities.
Makerere University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nawangwe highlighted Makerere University’s reputation as a global leader in innovation and excellence, citing the institution’s groundbreaking achievements such as developing Africa’s first electric car. He stressed that fighting corruption begins with individual mindsets and encouraged students to use their intellectual abilities to address the systemic issues that foster corruption.
Makerere University Guild President Vincent Lubega Nsamba and other student leaders spoke on the moral, political, and economic complexities of corruption, advocating for educational reforms to instil anti-corruption values from an early age.
As part of this commitment to youth engagement, Brig. Gen. Henry Isoke, together with Col. Edith Nakalema, the Dean of Students Dr. Winnie Kabumbuli, and the Guild President of Makerere University, Vincent Lubega Nsamba, officially launched the National Students’ Association Against Corruption. This new umbrella body will empower and unite students from various institutions to spearhead and engage in anti-corruption initiatives within their communities, further strengthening the fight against corruption at all levels.
August 28, 2024. Brig. Gen. Henry Isoke and his team at the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU) hosted Hon. Denis Galabuzi Ssozi, National Coordinator of the Parish Development Model (PDM) Secretariat at the SH-ACU premises. Hon Galabuzi was accompanied by key PDM technical officers including; Mr. Godfrey Ssemugoma, Director of Financial Management Services in the Ministry of Finance, and Dr. Edward Katende from Operation Wealth Creation (OWC).
Brig. Gen. Henry Isoke hosting National Coordinator of the Parish Development Model (PDM) Secretariat, Hon. Denis Galabuzi Ssozi, at the SH-ACU premises.
The meeting emphasized SH-ACU’s role as a crucial stakeholder in supporting the operations of the PDM by addressing reported cases of corruption and mismanagement within the program.
So far, the Unit, working closely with the PDM Secretariat, the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Internal Security Organization (ISO), and other sister agencies, has apprehended over 50 suspects involved in corruption-related offences connected to the PDM program. These suspects have since been charged in Courts of Law.
Mr. Godfrey Ssemugoma, Director of Financial Management Services in the Ministry of Finance giving a presentation to SH-ACU team on various phases of the program.
During the meeting, Brig Henry Isoke thanked Hon. Galabuzi and the PDM Secretariate for their efforts, in ensuring the effective running of the program, whose success will significantly contribute to the social economic transformation of the country by increasing household incomes and improving livelihoods of its beneficiaries.
Hon. Galabuzi highlighted the various measures and initiatives implemented to guarantee that PDM funds reach the intended beneficiaries without delay. These initiatives include the use of digital platforms to track the flow of funds and monitor the program’s overall performance. He also emphasized the importance of follow-up mechanisms such as routine check-ups on projects to ensure that the quality of raw materials and value addition efforts are optimized for higher yields hence increased household incomes.
Brig Isoke addresses his staff and his guests the PDM Secretariate team.
Brig. Gen. Isoke retaliated SH-ACU’s unwavering commitment to collaborating with the PDM Secretariat and other stakeholders to combat any individuals involved in corrupt practices that threaten to derail the program. He emphasized that SH-ACU will continue to play an active role in safeguarding the integrity and success of the PDM.
August 20, 2024. The Head of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU), Brig. Gen. Henry Isoke, paid a courtesy visit to the newly appointed Auditor General, Mr. Edward Akol. Brig. Gen. Isoke was accompanied by his Deputy, Mr. Israel Ochwo, Consultant Amos Ngolobe, and the Head of Investigations, D/SSP Fred Lumala.
Auditor General, Mr. Edward Akol (Fourth left) with his Deputy (Mr. James Bantu), SH-ACU Head, Brig. Gen. Isoke (third left) accompanied by his Deputy, Mr. Israel Ochwo (far left), Consultant Amos Ngolobe (second left), and the Head of Investigations, D/SSP Fred Lumala (far right).
During the meeting, Brig. Gen. Isoke congratulated Mr. Akol and his Assistant, Mr. James Bantu, on their well-deserved appointments. He also expressed appreciation for the ongoing support the Office of the Auditor General and the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) provides to the State House Anti-Corruption Unit. This collaboration has been instrumental in the investigation and prosecution of various anti-corruption cases handled by the Unit.
In response, the Auditor General thanked Brig. Gen. Isoke for the courtesy call and pledged to strengthen the existing collaboration between the two institutions. Both parties emphasized the importance of working together to enhance accountability and transparency in public offices, furthering the fight against corruption in Uganda. This meeting highlights the ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional ties in the fight against corruption, ensuring greater efficiency in investigations and prosecutions across the country.
August 15, 2024-The Head of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, Brig. Gen. Henry Isoke, and Ms. Barungi Phiona, Senior Presidential Assistant on Special Duties, accompanied the Minister of State for Lands, Hon. Dr. Sam Mayanja, and district leaders of Kiryandongo at a Baraza held in Panyandoli, Kiryandongo District, in response to numerous land grabbing complaints from local residents.
The primary complaints were against Taban Amin, who has allegedly been using threats, violence and impunity to seize land in the district. Among the victims was the family of the late Mr. Opika Opoka, a former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, whose titled land on Ranch No. 3 had been forcibly occupied by agents of Amin.
local resdients attending a baraza hosted by the team in Panyandoli, Kiryandongo District.
Thanks to a joint intervention by the authorities, the land was formally handed back to Mr. Opoka’s wife, Mrs. Natalie Opoka, on behalf of her family. The State House Anti-Corruption Unit has now deployed a team to investigate the allegations of land grabbing, intimidation, and threats against the community.
The ongoing investigation seeks to hold Taban Amin accountable for these alleged crimes and restore the rule of law in the district. This intervention underscores the government’s commitment to addressing land injustices and protecting the rights of Ugandan citizens against illegal land grabbing.
July 22, 2024 – The State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU), together with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), have arraigned Chairperson of Busoga Growers Cooperative Union, Basoga Charles, and Matovu John, an advocate with Matovu & Matovu Advocates, before the Anti-Corruption Court on charges of causing financial loss of over UGX 4 billion.
Between 2018 and 2023, Basoga Charles being the Chairperson of Busoga Growers Cooperative Union allegedly conspired with others, still at large, to misappropriate funds earmarked for war loss compensation intended for the Busoga Growers Cooperative Union. The fraudulent activities resulted in a financial loss exceeding UGX 4 billion.
Basoga Charles faces charges of causing financial loss and conspiracy to defraud the government.
Mr. Matovu John, an advocate with Ms Matovu &Matovu Advocates appearing at Anti-corruption Court to answer to charges levied against him.
Similary, Mr. Matovu John, one of the advocates entrusted by the Busoga Growers Cooperative Union to pursue war loss compensation claims from the government, was also charged with theft by an agent and conspiracy to defraud the government. According to the prosecution, Matovu conspired to steal the compensation funds intended for the union.
Both Basoga Charles and Matovu John have been remanded, with Charles expected to return to court on August 1, 2024, and Matovu on August 16, 2024.
August 13, 2024 – The State House Anti-Corruption Unit, in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), arraigned Tusubira Sam, a State Attorney at the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, before the Anti-Corruption Court., Nakasero.
Tusubira faces 16 counts of corruption in connection with a bribery scheme involving a land dispute.
According to the charges, Tusubira, while representing the government in court, solicited a bribe of UGX 100 million from a plaintiff who had filed a lawsuit against the Ministry of Lands and the Attorney General over the irregular cancellation of his land title. The bribe was intended to facilitate the plaintiff’s compensation claim. By the time of his arrest, Tusubira had allegedly received UGX 43 million from the plaintiff.
Following his arraignment, Tusubira was remanded until 19th August 2024. The case underscores the government’s ongoing efforts to fight corruption within the judiciary and improve the quality of prosecutions in court cases.
July 21, 2024. 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), arraigned three MPs, Permanent Secretary and other officials before the Anti-Corruption Court on charges of Diversion of Funds and Conspiracy to Defraud. The accused include:
Mrs. Geraldine Ssali Busuulwa, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives
Hon. Mawanda Michael Maranga, MP for Igara East, Bushenyi District
Hon. Wamakuyu Ignatius Mudimi, MP for Elgon County, Bulambuli District
Hon. Akamba Paul, MP for Busiki County, Namutumba District
Mr. Kirya Julius of Kirya & Co. Advocates
Mr. Leonard Kavundira, Principal Cooperatives Officer, Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives
Others still at large
The accused were charged for allegedly conspiring to divert over UGX 3.4 billion intended for war loss compensation to Buyaka Growers Cooperative Society in Bulambuli District. The funds were fraudulently redirected for personal gain.
Mrs. Busuulwa allegedly abused her office by irregularly adding Buyaka Growers Cooperative Society to the list of compensation beneficiaries in the 2021/22 financial year, despite the cooperative not being initially listed. She then conspired with others to divert the UGX 3.4 billion to Kirya & Co. Advocates, resulting in financial loss to the government.
PS, Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, Geraldine Ssali Busuulwa, being escorted to court by prison officers.
The accused were remanded and will appear before the court again on July 9, 2024, with Geraldine Ssali Busuulwa’s case committed to the High Court for further proceedings.
