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Month: December 2024

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SH-ACU arrests fraudsters with $2M counterfeit currency

ENTEBE. In a collaborative effort on Friday, the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU) with the assistance of Entebbe police, Uganda Civil Aviation Authority security, and a local council (LC) leader, successfully carried out a raid in a garage located in Entebbe Municipality. The operation led by the Head of SH-ACU, Brig Henry Isoke was conducted following a tip-off regarding a suspicious consignment believed to have been smuggled from Entebbe International Airport. The investigation, which began in May 2024 and continued into October, focused on monitoring a consignment that had raised red flags at the airport. On December 17th, the consignment was illicitly removed from the airport, prompting the SH-ACU's investigative team to take action. The team swiftly traced the consignment to the aforementioned garage in Entebbe. Upon conducting a thorough search of the premises, the joint investigation team made a […]

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Teacher Arrested for False Enrollment data in SH-ACU Op.

Masaka. The State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH- ACU), in conjunction with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), has arraigned Mr. Welishe Robert, the Head Teacher of Butale Church of Uganda Primary School, before the Masaka Chief Magistrate Court. He stands accused of providing false information and has been remanded until 23rd December 2024. It is alleged that during the period between February and May 2024, Welishe Robert, in his capacity as head teacher, intentionally submitted erroneous pupil enrollment records to the Masaka City Education Officer.  The alleged false report indicated that 423 UPE Students had been enrolled at Butale C.O.U Primary School, a figure that was not accurate.  This deliberate misinformation, according to prosecution, was done with the knowledge that it could lead to financial losses for the government.  The accusations […]

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Entertainer, Amarula co-founder DJ Messe Bontwe dies

KAMPALA. The Ugandan entertainment industry is in mourning following the death of Nicholas Mpiirwe Kamagala, known as DJ Messe Bontwe. Messe, a comedian and musician, passed away in the United States, where he had been residing to pursue greener pastures. Co-founder of the legendary Amarula Family comedy group in 1999, alongside Amooti Omubalanguzi and the late Paddy Bitama, Messe was a prominent figure in Uganda's entertainment scene. Before his comedy career, he showcased his musical talents in the ‘Hommies Band’ (Abaana be Kka), gaining fame with the hit song Bamusakata in collaboration with Ragga Dee in 1995. The news of his passing was confirmed by fellow Ugandans living in America, leaving many fans and colleagues in shock and sadness. Messe's contributions to comedy and music will be remembered fondly, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations in the […]

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SH-ACU Targets Corrupt Officials in Masaka

MASAKA. The state House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU) in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Department and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has arraigned Mutebi John Rogers, Bbale Joseph, and Matovu John at the Masaka Chief Magistrates Court on charges of theft and neglect of duty and alleged misappropriation of funds meant for PDM SACCO members in Bukakata Sub-County, Masaka District. Mutebi and Bbale are accused of embezzling millions between December 2023 and October 2024, while Matovu, an Agricultural Officer/Focal Person for Masaka District, is charged with failing in his oversight duties regarding the PDM SACCOs in the district. The accused have been remanded until December 23, 2024. These high-profile arrests come in the wake of a thorough inspection tour and public meeting spearheaded by Hon. Rose Lily Akello, the Minister of Ethics and Integrity, aimed at addressing service […]

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BREAKING NEWS: UCC okays SIM Card replacement without National ID

The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has okayed the replacement of SIM Cards in situations where one lost their National IDs. According to UCC, one would require a letter from Police and another from NIRA confirming that the ID got lost before swapping, editing and replacing a SIM Card. Below is the full statement by UCC: UCC has noted some operational challenges faced by operators and customers specific to the replacement of SIM Cards for customers that lose National Identity cards, and the registration and replacement of SIM Cards for customers without biometrics. To mitigate the challenges associated with this scenario, the Commission hereby guides as follows: Replacement, swapping, editing or upgrade of SIM cards A SIM card replacement, edit, swap or upgrade shall be done at customer service centers operated by telecom operators. An applicant for replacement, edit, swap or […]

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True Care Junior School Urges govt Support

WAKISO. The Headteacher of True Care Junior School, Ssalongo James Byuma, has urged local leaders to consider contributing back to educational institutions in recognition of the significant tax payments schools make. Byuma emphasized that despite schools' substantial tax contributions, they often do not receive any acknowledgment or support in return. Speaking to parents and teachers during the school's end-of-year concert held at the Ssumbwe campus in Wakiso, Byuma highlighted the financial burden schools face due to taxation without receiving tangible benefits in return. Byuma underscored the importance of local leaders at the sub-county level acknowledging the tax burdens shouldered by schools and providing support in the form of essential items like desks or scholastic materials as a gesture of appreciation. Despite being a new establishment that commenced operations in 2021, True Care Junior School achieved a milestone by enrolling 710 […]

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How Ugandan prisons and police cells pose hazard for LGBTQ+ minorities

People arrested under Uganda’s 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) face stigma, abuse and even rape in the nation’s prisons and police cells. Such cases have increased as more people are arrested under the law’s provisions. Attorney Ronald Abitegeka says he got at least one client who reported being raped shortly after he was detained under the law. Abitegeka works for ALIGHT Uganda (formerly American Refugee Committee) an NGO in the Isingiro district that operates in six refugee settlements, five transit centers, and border points. ALIGHT Uganda’s work includes monitoring refugee settlements and inmates. His client wishes to remain anonymous for security reasons. The Attorney says rape cases are common but rarely reported to the police, victims are denied medical treatments, and accusations are not investigated. Rarely, however, does someone stand up to authorities. “I was very much surprised at my client’s […]

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SH-ACU Op sees Man remanded over wetland fuel station

KAMPALA. Lira businessman, Okello Lawrence, appeared before the Makindye Chief Magistrate's Court for erecting a fuel station in a wetland without adhering to the conditions outlined in the Certificate of Environmental and Social Impact Assessment issued by NEMA. It comes after the State House Anti Corruption Unit headed by Brig. Henry Isoke arrested him and prosecuted by the office of the DPP.He has been detained until December 16, 2024. From March to December 2024, the defendant persistently proceeded with the construction of the fuel station in Pece swamp, Gulu city, blatantly ignoring physical planning laws, building control regulations, and the environmental certification provided by NEMA. Investigations have uncovered Okello Lawrence's extensive history as a notorious encroacher on protected areas, including wetlands, forest reserves, and other public lands. Ongoing inquiries are delving deeper into his suspected involvement in multiple instances of […]

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Brig Isoke hosts UK Anti-Corruption, Shares Strategies

KAMPALA. As part of Anti-Corruption week efforts, Brig Gen Henry Isoke of State House Anti-Corruption Unit hosted UK consultant Nicholas Rowell. Rowell's presentation focused on stopping the supply side of corruption through implementing strong internal controls and compliance programs in both public and private institutions. Rowell stressed the importance of enacting laws mandating anti-corruption measures and policies to prevent corrupt practices. He highlighted the significance of regularly updating internal controls, monitoring transactions, and conducting random audits to eliminate corruption effectively. Identifying red flags and addressing them promptly was also emphasized as vital in combating corruption. Tailoring compliance needs according to the size and corruption risks of different institutions is essential, Rowell noted. He outlined specific procedures that institutions should prioritize to enhance compliance and encouraged collaboration among Anti-Corruption Agencies in Uganda to maximize their collective impact. Inspector General of Government […]

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SH-ACU, NDC Anti-Corruption Debate Competition set for Friday

KAMPALA. Selected schools will Friday December 6, converge in Kampala to compete in Uganda Speech and Debate championship league 2024 at the office of the Prime Minister Minister’s conference at 1.30pm. The purpose of the school debate organised by the State House Anti Corruption Unit (SH-ACU) headed by Brig Henry Isoke in conjunction with the National Debate Council (NDC) is to raise awareness among students about the detrimental effects of corruption on society and to empower them to become advocates for transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership. Through debating topics related to corruption, students will be encouraged to critically analyze the root causes of corruption, its impact on development, and potential solutions to combat this pervasive issue. Participating in the anti-corruption debate competition provides students with a platform to voice their opinions, propose innovative ideas, and engage in constructive dialogue on […]