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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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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 […]

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RDC Majambere remanded over alleged theft

KAMPALA.  A joint operation involving multiple security agencies has apprehended Ivan Ssemakula, also known as Majambere, the Deputy Resident RDC of Rukiga, following accusations of land grabbing in Gomba district.  The collaboration between the Anti-Corruption Unit of Uganda, the Criminal Investigations Directorate, and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions resulted in charges being brought against Majambere and his subsequent appearance in Gomba Magistrates' Court.  Majambere, alongside unidentified accomplices, stands accused of offenses such as Conspiracy to Defraud, Cattle Theft, and Criminal Trespass.  The case dates back to August 2023 when they forcibly took control of a 300-acre farmland in Gomba District registered under 75-year-old Frank Rushanganwa since 2003.   During the unlawful seizure, Majambere's group reportedly took 157 cows worth UGX 318 million, later disposing of them.  Allegedly, Majambere claimed partial ownership through a disputed transaction with Mwesigye, […]

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Illegal logger jailed 12 months

KAMPALA. Sembwa Rabinson, a known illegal logger, has finally faced justice. The Makindye Chief Magistrates Court convicted and sentenced him to 12 months imprisonment for Illegal Possession of Forest Produce. This came after the State House Anti Corruption Unit (SH-ACU) arrested him with over 200 pieces of timber cut from Mabira forest. Sembwa's history with illegal logging according to court filings is lengthy, having been arrested and charged multiple times but evading conviction until now. His crimes have contributed to the destruction of Uganda's natural resources, specifically Mabira forest, which is crucial for the country's ecosystem. The collaborative efforts of SH-ACU with other agencies led to Sembwa's downfall. Their tireless work in combating environmental crimes ensures that those responsible face consequences. This verdict serves as a warning to others engaging in similar activities. With Sembwa behind bars, the hope is […]

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SH-ACU recovers millions in Sheema PDM operation

SHEEMA. Beneficiaries of the government's Parish Development Model (PDM) in Sheema district are celebrating as Brig Gen Henry Isoke's led State House Anti corruption Unit (SH-ACU) operations lead to the recovery of misused funds. Following complaints of mismanagement of PDM funds, detectives from the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, Uganda Police, and the DPP's office sprang into action. Investigations revealed that some recipients were not the intended beneficiaries, leading to arrests of teachers and local leaders involved in enabling ineligible individuals to access the funds. Over Slover UGX 10 million has been recovered so far, with more expected. Key suspects identified include District Speaker Nkwemerere Robert, District Commercial Officer Asasira Winson Kafurembe, and others involved in irregular payments bypassing verification processes by Parish Development Committees. The findings are exposing a scheme of extortion where bribes facilitated illegitimate access to funds, a […]

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Entebe gold scammers remanded again

ENTEBE. The six suspects accused of running a gold scam at Entebbe International Airport have been further remanded by the Chief Magistrates Court. The individuals - Kananura Daniel, Mpomba Richard, Muhwezi Benon, Nkahirwa Pascal, Mujuzi John Keneddy and Bekalaze Ismail - were apprehended on September 30 following an order by President Museveni to probe illegal airport activities. During the arrest, authorities found 11 plastic boxes containing 300 metal bars that the suspects falsely presented as gold in an attempt to deceive potential investors. However, after a forensic examination by the Directorate of Geological Survey and Mines, it was determined that the items were actually different minerals. Initially charged on October 11, the suspects are facing accusations of engaging in mineral transactions without proper authorization, mixing minerals with the intention to deceive, and smuggling minerals. The State House Anti-Corruption Unit, Criminal […]

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Balondemu granted bail

KAMPALA.Buganda Road Chief Magistrate's court has granted a Shs 5 million cash bail to Kampala District Land Board chairperson, David Balondemu, who is facing charges of forging medical documents. Chief magistrate Ronald Kayizzi granted the bail after finding all three of Balondemu's sureties including his wife, sister, and brother-in-law to be substantial. The court also ordered each surety to execute a non-cash bond of Shs 20 million. As part of his bail conditions, Balondemu’s passport was retained by the court, and he has been prohibited from travelling outside Uganda without prior permission. State prosecutor Viola Tusingwire had opposed the bail application, arguing that Balondemu had ignored seven court summonses, even after criminal summons were published in newspapers. However, magistrate Kayizzi ruled that newspaper notices do not guarantee effective service, agreeing with Balondemu’s defense that he may not have seen the […]

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Prosecutors Seek Recusal of Balondemu’s defense Lawyer as bail referred

The Buganda Road Court in Kampala has referred the bail application of Mr. David Balondemu, the Chairperson of the Kampala District Land Board and a city lawyer, returning him to Luzira prison. He is facing allegations of forgery in investigations led by Brig Henry Isoke State House Anti Corruption Unit (SH-ACU). The prosecution team, led by Viola Tusingwire, has requested one of Balondemu's defense lawyers, Robert Bautu, to recuse himself from the case due to his potential role as a prosecution witness. During a recent court appearance, Balondemu faced three charges, including conspiring with a doctor from Mulago National Referral Hospital to commit forgery. The prosecutors sought an adjournment of the proceedings, citing a lack of access to the police file necessary for a response to Balondemu's bail application. Tusingwire emphasized the need for Bautu to step aside from representing […]

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SH-ACU led op sees officials charged, remanded for misuse of PDM funds,

BUDUDA: Today, a joint operation involving the State House Anti corruption Unit (SH-ACU) and other agencies has resulted in the arraignment of two suspects, Wakoko Kassim and Nakhaima Francis, at the Bududa Chief Magistrates Court. Wakoko Kasim, the Parish Chief Bunandutu, faces charges of obtaining money by false pretences. He allegedly deceived several Bunandutu PDM SACCO members, fraudulently acquiring large sums under the guise of processing their funds. Nakhaima Francis, an employee of public service, stands accused of falsifying documents related to Bumakita PDM SACCO funds. Alongside accomplices still at large, they submitted erroneous returns and registered non-beneficiaries into the system. Both suspects have been remanded until 5th November 2024 while investigations continue. This development highlights ongoing efforts to combat financial misconduct and uphold integrity in fund management practices.

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Lawyer Balondemu back into custody after Entebe airport arrest

Kampala. The chairperson of the Kampala District Land Board, David Balondemu, also owner of M/s Balon Advocates and Bloom Advocates, is back into custody to face charges of falsifying medical records to secure a court bail. Balondemu is also under scrutiny in reinstated charges following investigations by the Brig Henry Isoke led State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU) regarding gold scams and other alleged sham transactions. State owned newspaper, New Vision quoting police sources reported on Monday Balondemu was arrested soon after landing at Entebe International Airport as he returned from Dubai on Friday. In SH-ACU’s investigations, it is alleged Balondemu, through his law firms M/s Balon Advocates and Bloom Advocates, is implicated in several cases of alleged fraud. One prominent case involves the accused defrauding Guner Kuzu Construction Limited, a Turkish Company, of a substantial amount totaling USD 3,806,885 (approximately […]