Police Confirm Summoning Mukono Officials Over Corruption
Police have confirmed summoning Mukono district technical and political leaders to record statements on allegations of corruption and abuse of office. The investigation focuses on Elizabeth Namanda and eight other officials, who began reporting to the Regional Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) Headquarters at Kampala Metropolitan East on Jinja Road last Friday to record statements.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson Patrick Onyango, a general inquiry file was opened to investigate several cases, including embezzlement, causing financial loss, and abuse of office. “The CAO has also made counter-accusations of computer misuse against some individuals, including councillors. They are still recording statements,” Onyango confirmed.
The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is accused alongside the District Internal Auditor, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Council Clerk, the District Speaker, and members of the District Executive Committee. Among those summoned on cases of computer misuse is Samuel Odongo, the councillor representing Nama Sub County in the district.
In a conversation, Odongo confirmed reporting to the police on Monday to record his statement. He claims the charges against him are intended to thwart his mission to fight corruption. Odongo presented evidence to the police indicating that the CAO distributed 520,000 shillings among 43 councillors to secure approval for a district budget in May. However, the source of this money remains unknown.
“I received the money and declined to withdraw it from the account. I have asked the CAO to direct me to an alternative account to deposit the said money, but she has declined my request,” Odongo stated.
Another councillor, Bernard Ssempaka, representing Nakifuma-Naggalama Town Council, also confirmed receiving 520,000 shillings and later 640,000 shillings for two sitting allowances in his account despite being suspended from the council.
“I was suspended from the council for posting on my social media account that there was a plot by the CAO and the speaker to bribe councillors. I was surprised to receive allowances for two sittings, as a suspended person is not entitled to receive allowances,” Ssempaka noted.
Other issues highlighted for police investigation include the failure to remit 75% of the property tax collected by the town council and 25% of revenue from other lower local governments. Efforts to speak to the CAO about the allegations were unsuccessful. Upon visiting her office, Namanda instructed her secretary to inform media representatives that she is unwilling to comment on the matter.
However, the district speaker, Betty Hope Nakasi, stated that the money distributed to the councillors’ accounts has always been given out to councillors to monitor activities at the end of each financial year. She confirmed being summoned to record a statement at Jinja Road and is yet to appear.
The district chairperson, Rev. Peter Bakaluba Mukasa, confirmed recording a statement on the same matter but declined to reveal details, citing the need to avoid disrupting investigations.
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Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
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Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum