Date: August 8th, 2025
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.