On June 13, 2024. The Grade One Magistrates’ Court in Matugga has convicted and sentenced Francis Kiyonga Adamson, the former LC5 Chairperson of Amudat District, to 23 months and 14 days in prison for theft of a government vehicle. In addition to the prison sentence, Kiyonga has been fined UGX 80 million, which he must pay to Amudat District within six months of completing his sentence.
Francis Kiyonga Adamson in court receiving his sentence after being convicted.
Kiyonga was charged in 2021 with the theft of a government double cabin pick-up truck, registration number UG 0654, valued at UGX 130 million. The vehicle, which was part of the Youth Livelihood Programme, had been wrecked and was under police custody at Matugga Police Station. Kiyonga allegedly stole the vehicle and sold it in parts.
Kiyonga arraigned in court in 2021
The State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU) investigated the case and brought Kiyonga to justice. This conviction marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to fight corruption and restore stolen public resources.
June 11, 2024. The Head of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU), Brigadier General Henry Isoke, presided over the 3rd Virtual National Students Anti-Corruption Challenge Awards 2024 as Chief Guest. The event, organized by the National Debate Council Uganda (NDC) and hosted by Canon Benson Turamye, Executive Director of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority (PPDA), took place at the PPDA Towers in Nakasero, Kampala.
The event recognized students from different educational institutions across Uganda, including primary, secondary, and tertiary levels, who excelled in producing anti-corruption speeches, essays, poems, videos, artworks, and songs. The competition was spearheaded by the NDC as part of a nationwide initiative to raise awareness about corruption.
Brig Henry Isoke awarding one of the pupils at the ceremony
Addressing the participants, Brig. Gen. Isoke commended the youth for their dedication to fighting corruption, describing them as future heroes, if they maintain their commitment. He compared the battle against corruption to past struggles of the NRM, emphasizing that despite the challenges, the fight can be won as the corrupt are few, while their victims, including the youth and elderly, are many.
He thanked Mr. Gasta Kakaire, Executive Director of NDC, for mentoring and guiding the youth through national debates on corruption. Brig. Gen. Isoke highlighted the importance of such initiatives in empowering young people to become patriotic leaders. He congratulated the winners and reminded them that their awards would hold greater significance when corruption is significantly reduced, and the values of integrity and transparency are embraced.
The host, PPDA’s Executive Director, Canon Turamye, praised the students for their creativity and commitment to the anti-corruption cause, urging them to spread the message in their schools and communities. He also acknowledged the collaboration between various anti-corruption agencies, including SH-ACU, the Inspector General of Government (IGG), the Auditor General’s Office, and the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), in combating corruption in public procurement.
The partnership between the NDC and government anti-corruption agencies aims to instill values of transparency and integrity among young Ugandans as a long-term strategy to fight corruption. Uganda currently ranks 141st out of 180 countries in Transparency International’s 2023 Corruption Perception Index, underscoring the importance of such efforts in shaping a corruption-free future.
May 31, 2024. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo, hosted a key meeting between her team of the newly established Investment Crimes Prosecutions Unit and senior officers from the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU), led by Brigadier General Henry Isoke.
The Investment Crimes Prosecutions Unit, established in March 2024, focuses on managing and prosecuting cases investigated by SH-ACU, the State House Investors’ Protection Unit, and the State House Health Monitoring Unit. During the meeting, the new Unit’s head, Mr. Jonathan Muwaganya, was introduced alongside the team assigned to handle investment-related cases.
Justice Abodo elaborated on the new Unit’s operational structure, emphasizing swift case management to enable more efficient prosecutions and eventual convictions. She commended SH-ACU for its professional coordination with her office and its thorough handling of cases.
Brig. Gen. Isoke expressed appreciation for the creation of the specialized unit, noting its potential to reduce case backlogs and enhance the fight against corruption in Uganda. The partnership is expected to strengthen efforts in holding perpetrators accountable and improving response times to corruption-related case files.
May 30th, 2024. The Deputy Head, State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU), Mr. Israel Ochwo, together with the Head of Investigations, D/SSP Tweheyo Jackson, joined the staff of Kiruddu National Referral Hospital in a significant meeting to address the effects of corruption on healthcare services.
Deputy Head of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU), Mr. Israel Ochwo addressing the staff of Kiruddu National Referral Hospital.
As part of SH-ACU’s preventative efforts to fight corruption in the health sector, the discussion focused on identifying proactive strategies for hospital management and staff to mitigate corruption risks. Key to this included exploring measures to safeguard healthcare resources and ensuring that services are delivered transparently and efficiently.
The Head of Investigations, D/SSP Tweheyo Jackson addressing the staff of Kiruddu National Referral Hospital.
The meeting concluded with a resolution for SH-ACU to collaborate closely with the hospital to integrate anti-corruption measures into its operations. This partnership is seen as a critical step towards fostering a corruption-free healthcare environment that prioritizes patient care and accountability.
May 14, 2024. Brigadier General Henry Isoke, the Head, State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU), held a crucial meeting with officials from the Ministry of Lands, led by the Under Secretary, Mr. Richard Juuko. The meeting addressed key issues affecting the land sector, including; the increasing incidents of land grabbing, collusion between public officials and land fraudsters, illegal evictions, and the issue of double titling.
The Ministry of Lands presented a series of planned reforms aimed at addressing the existing systemic gaps that enable corruption and land fraud. These reforms are expected to curb illegal activities and streamline land management processes.
During the discussions, SH-ACU leadership reaffirmed its commitment to fighting corruption in the lands sector, emphasizing that those involved in fraudulent activities will be held accountable. This collaborative effort is part of an ongoing drive to address long-standing issues and bring about lasting reforms in Uganda’s land management system.
February 02, 2024. Prominent Lira businessman, Etwop Geoffrey, was arrested and arraigned before the Chief Magistrates Court in Lira by State House Anti-Corruption Unit and the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) on charges of Fraudulently Procuring a Certificate of Title.
Lira businessman, Etwop Geoffrey in the Lira Court docks to answer to charges.
According to investigations between 2017 and 2020, Etwop presented a falsified letter to the District Land Board and Lira MZO. The letter, dated December 23rd, 2019, purported to show approval from the Lira Municipal Council’s Physical Planning Committee for a freehold title to Plot 16-18 Soroti Road Camp swahili Central Division. The alleged approval referenced minute number LMC PPC 083/12/2019, land authorities claim is fictitious.
Etwop Geoffrey being defended by his advocate against charges being read against him.
Investigations also revealed that Plot 16-18 is designated as a public open space according to the approved Physical Plan of Lira Municipal Council for the period 2016-2026.
Etwop Geoffrey was remanded to prison by the Chief Magistrate Court of Lira until February 5th, 2024.
January 28, 2024. The Head of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, Brigadier General Henry Isoke, delivered a lecture on “Transparency and Accountability” to over 400 Head teachers from the Western region of the country at the Leadership Institute in Kyankwanzi- NALI.
Some of the Head Teachers listening to the lecture on Transparency and Accountability
Brig Gen Isoke highlighted the various forms of corruption affecting the education sector including:
Headteachers inflating nominal rolls to embezzle capitation grant funds.
Conspiracy with district officials such as the DEO, Inspector of Schools, and Senior Education Officers.
Lobbying for transfers with the assistance of district education officials.
Lobbying for schools with large student populations, with numbers often further inflated.
He emphasized that these corrupt practices are a danger to the progress of the nation, eroding social trust, worsening inequality, and sabotaging development efforts. Brig. Gen. Isoke stressed that corruption in education leads to underqualified professionals, such as doctors, engineers, teachers, and pilots, resulting in substandard work and catastrophic losses.
Brig Gen Isoke presenting the lecture to the over 400 Head teachers at NALI-Kyankwanzi.
To fight corruption, Brig. Gen. Isoke proposed several measures which include;
Enhancing regular school inspections by district officials to ensure proper monitoring and accountability.
Encouraging community participation in school activities through Parent-Teacher meetings.
Implementing modern management systems and procedures in financial management, supervision, and evaluation.
He also urged headteachers to set a positive example for their students by fostering a culture of transparency and ensuring that the right actions are taken.
One of the Head teachers engaging with the Brig Gen Isoke during the presentation.
In conclusion, Brig. Gen. Isoke expressed his gratitude to Commissioner Patriotic Secretariat, Ms. Hellen Seku, and her team for their efforts in promoting patriotism across the country. He also engaged in discussions with Brigadier General Charles Kisembo, Director of NALI, on matters of ideology and leadership development.
