The Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) has arrested nine senior officials from the Ministry of Finance over their alleged role in the fraudulent diversion of Shs 60 billion (approximately USD 15.7 million) through the Bank of Uganda (BoU).
Among those apprehended is Accountant General Lawrence Semakula, a key figure in Uganda’s financial management system. Others in custody include Jennifer Muhurizi, Mubarak Nansamba, Tony Yawe, Paul Lumala, Mark Kasuku, a one Nayebare, Judith Ashaba, and Deborah Kusiima.
Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma confirmed the arrests, stating, “You will recall that we have been having an ongoing investigation into the billions of shillings that mysteriously disappeared, and that news has been going around. In the course of the investigation, we summoned the nine officers from the Ministry of Finance. We can confirm we have them in our custody.”
Deputy BoU Governor Michael Atingi-Ego recently refuted claims that the Central Bank’s financial system was hacked, asserting that the fraud was initiated externally. “These fraud incidents were initiated outside the BoU IT systems to divert the funds,” he explained.
Investigations revealed two fraudulent transactions: USD 6.134 million intended for the World Bank was misdirected to Roadway Company Limited via MUFG Bank in Japan on September 12, 2024, while USD 8.596 million meant for the African Development Fund was sent to MJS International London in the UK on September 28, 2024.
BoU has since recovered USD 8.205 million from MJS International, which has been credited back to the government’s consolidated fund. However, efforts to recover the funds sent to Japan have stalled due to non-cooperation from MUFG Bank.
