Nnine officials from Uganda’s Ministry of Finance have been arrested in connection with the mysterious disappearance of Shs60 billion from the Bank of Uganda (BoU) last year. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) conducted rigorous interrogations at its headquarters in Kibuli, Kampala, leading to these arrests.
Among those detained is Accountant General Lawrence Ssemakula, along with officials Paul Lumala, Jennifer Muhulizi, Mubarak Nsamba, Mark Kasuku, Tony Yawe, Deborah Kusiima, Betinah Nayebare, and Judith Ashaba. The suspects are currently held at Kira and Nateete Police Stations in Kampala as investigations intensify.
The investigation centers on two fraudulent transactions discovered last year, where funds intended for debt repayments to the World Bank and the African Development Fund were diverted to incorrect accounts in Japan and the United Kingdom. Specifically, a payment of $6.134 million meant for the World Bank was redirected to Road Way Company in Japan, and another payment of $8.569 million intended for the African Development Fund was diverted to NJS International in London. 
How Shs 60billion Bank of Uganda Money Heist Was Pulled Off
Deputy Governor of the Bank of Uganda, Michael Atingi-Ego, confirmed these incidents in December, clarifying that the fraud was initiated outside the central bank and denying any hacking of BoU’s systems.
Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke acknowledged the arrests, stating, “We have nine persons in custody as part of our investigation into the missing funds. More details will follow as the inquiry progresses.”
This scandal has raised significant concerns over internal controls within the Ministry of Finance and has prompted calls for greater accountability in handling public funds. As the investigation continues, both the police and the Ministry of Finance have refrained from making further official statements on the matter.
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