During an impromptu visit, the team found that 159 students out of 615 were absent. The absence follows last week’s decision by the school administration to send home over 200 learners over failure to pay what officials have termed illegal fees.

When confronted by local leaders at Nyaika Hotel on Friday, the Head Teacher denied sending 200 students, saying “only 63” had been chased. The Resident District Commissioner for Bunyangabu said even 63 was too many and contrary to policy.

*It was agreed in that meeting that all chased learners should return to school immediately, regardless of payment. However, many have not yet returned, partly because the school does not have contacts for all parents.

State House investigators also heard that some students were at Mugusu Market on a market day. The pattern suggests learners are sent to look for money on Wednesday so they can pay by Thursday, or risk being chased. Officials warned this practice risks pushing children out of school permanently as some get used to “money hunting” instead of learning.*

The Unit confirmed that the money collected is not only illegal but also allegedly abused. They announced they will return on Thursday for another head count.

In a message delivered on behalf of Hon. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, the public was reminded that government and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni have already paid school fees under the universal policy.

Any other charges are not mandatory and must be approved by the Ministry of Education. Parents and students were urged to return to school and report any illegal demands.

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The State House Anti-Corruption Unit ordered Arua city authorities to suspend the transaction to China Railway Seventh Group Construction Company.

The money had been approved by the local council to settle an outstanding balance for infrastructure works under the Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID) programme.

However, official documents suggest the contractor had already been paid in full for the project.

In a directive issued to the Arua city clerk, the head of the anti-corruption unit, Brigadier General Henry Isoke, ordered an immediate halt to the transaction to protect public money while a formal inquiry takes place.

“Investigations have been initiated into this matter and will be expeditiously undertaken,” Brig Gen Isoke wrote. He added that the freeze was necessary “to safeguard public funds and preserve the integrity of the ongoing investigations.”

The dispute centres on a 13.5bn shilling contract awarded in December 2021 for the construction of Go-Down Road in Arua, a city in northwestern Uganda.

According to local financial records from May 2025, the contractor had previously been issued a certificate of completion, confirming the road and 321 street lights had been fully delivered and paid for.

Discrepancies uncovered
The decision to authorise further funds has sparked significant local controversy. The current city council recently voted to approve the extra 1.5bn shillings, reversing a decision by the previous administration to spend that money on 192 new solar street lights across the city.

The intervention followed a whistleblower petition raising concerns over how the infrastructure funds were being managed.

Leaked financial documents also revealed unexplained discrepancies in the project’s paperwork. A final payment certificate from February 2025 reportedly cited a revised contract value of 15.2bn shillings—nearly 2bn shillings higher than the figure recorded in the project’s final accounts just days earlier.

The paperwork also allegedly lacked required supporting documentation, prompting senior local finance officers to raise objections and seek legal guidance.

Arua City Mayor Lawrence Alionzi defended the council’s initial decision to approve the funds, stating that officials were rushing to allocate remaining budgets before the end of the financial year.

“The council sat in an effort to make sure we spend money allocated to us as the city,” Mr Alionzi said, confirming that the 1.5bn shillings had been earmarked to meet what they believed were outstanding contractual obligations.

However, the mayor confirmed that the transaction has now been paused following the watchdog’s intervention, and the money remains unspent.

“We halted the process and are awaiting their decision before we can proceed,” Mr Alionzi said, adding that the city administration welcomed the scrutiny and would fully cooperate with the anti-corruption probe.

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LONDON-The British capital on Saturday transformed into a kaleidoscope of color, unity, and defiance during the annual London Pride celebrations.

Amidst the sea of banners, a distinct and resilient voice emerged from the African Equality Foundation, a charity that has put together diaspora community marching ahead.

The United Kingdom for remains generous with a respectful approach toward the global LGBTQ community.

British society has continuously provided a vital sanctuary for individuals fleeing state-sanctioned homophobia and legislative persecution back home.

A Sanctuary for Expression

The UK has made various Ugandan exiles proud by allowing them to openly participate in today’s London Pride events.

For many participants, walking down the Streets of London represents the first time they can wave a rainbow flag without fear.

The contrast between the oppressive legal framework in Kampala and the celebration in London remains stark for these marchers.

This visible participation serves as a beacon of hope for activists operating underground within the East African nation today.

The atmosphere at the parade was described as deeply emotional by those who had previously hidden their true identities.

The head of the African Equality Foundation, Mr Edwin Sesange, who joined the frontlines of the parade, shared his immense joy.

“Walking freely here makes our members incredibly proud; London has given them the dignity that those who hate diversity has denied them.”

This sentiment echoed across Trafalgar Square as hundreds of diaspora members celebrated their newfound freedom under the British sun.

While the UK reinforces its stance on global equality, nations like Uganda continue to tighten their conservative legal frameworks.

The presence of the Ugandan diaspora at London Pride is more than a celebration; it is a political statement.

It underscores how Western capitals have become essential battlegrounds for human rights advocacy affecting the African continent’s future.

The long-term impact of this cultural freedom remains a subject of intense debate among international policy analysts and diplomats.

For the individuals on the streets of London, however, the immediate sense of liberation is what truly matters most.

The UK’s continued support for these marginalized groups cements its position as a global defender of personal liberties.

As the music fades, the determination of the Ugandan diaspora to fight for equality back home remains completely undiminished.

The writer is a human rights activist and a Ugandan Journalist living in London

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The operation was conducted in partnership with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), signaling a concerted effort to dismantle networks exploiting desperate job seekers in the public sector.

Dr. Saadi was arraigned alongside two alleged co-conspirators: Sekikubo Mubarak, the Chairperson of LC III, Nakisunga Sub-County, and Mugerwa Ronald Saaku, the Probation and Welfare Officer for Lugazi Municipality. The trio is accused of running a scheme between January and June of 2025 in Mukono Town.

Their target, Dr. Mukisa George William, a job applicant, was allegedly defrauded of a staggering UGX 38,000,000. This money was extorted under the false pretense of guaranteeing him a permanent Medical Officer position within Mukono District—a role for which he had officially applied.

Court documents detail the precise nature of the deception. The suspects allegedly assured Dr. Mukisa that the substantial sum was intended as a “facilitation fee” for members of the Mukono District Service Commission. They claimed this money was essential to influence the commission members and secure Dr. Mukisa’s successful appointment.

Prosecutors emphasized this claim was entirely fraudulent, as the trio had no genuine capacity to secure the position. This misuse of public authority and trust has added severity to the charges.

The successful arraignment underscores the rigorous investigative work conducted by the coordinating agencies, enforcing a zero-tolerance policy for officials leveraging their positions for financial gain.

SH-ACU continues to caution the public against paying bribes or ‘facilitation fees’ to secure government employment, urging immediate reporting of suspicious activity. This case highlights a persistent challenge in public sector recruitment, where job applicants become vulnerable to exploitation by corrupt insiders who promise shortcuts to success.

This incident follows a recent series of arrests targeting corruption at the local government level, demonstrating the nationwide scope of the operation.

The prompt action by the SH-ACU and its partners is expected to send a powerful deterrent message across all municipal and district service commissions.

All three suspects have been remanded in custody, pending further court proceedings. The prosecution is prepared to present a robust case against the accused officials.

The post SH-ACU Charges Lugazi Officer in Job Scam appeared first on Daily Secrets.

Sekikubo Mubarak, the LC III Chairperson of Nakisunga Sub-County, was arraigned before the Mukono Chief Magistrate’s Court this afternoon on charges including Obtaining Money by False Pretence and Conspiracy to Defraud. He was remanded in custody until November 4, 2025.

The charges stem from an alleged scheme between January and June 2025 in Mukono Town. Mr. Sekikubo, alongside Mugerwa Ronald Saaku (a Probation and Welfare Officer for Lugazi Municipality who is already facing charges) and Dr. Wataba Saadi (who remains at large), is accused of defrauding job applicant Dr. Mukisa George William of UGX 38,000,000.

According to the prosecution, the accused falsely promised Dr. Mukisa a government position as a Medical Officer in Mukono District. They allegedly claimed the large sum of money was necessary to “facilitate members” of the Mukono District Service Commission to secure the post—a claim that investigators say was false.

The action was undertaken jointly by the State House Anti-Graft Unit, the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). Authorities believe this case may be one of several, stating that the same officials have reportedly extorted money from other job applicants in connection with members of the Commission.

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This high diplomatic status was conferred upon her in Brussels by the UN Diplomatic Union Mission for World Human Rights Defence, during a distinguished graduation ceremony organized by the Academy of Universal Global Peace (AUGP). Counsel Blessings officially received the coveted recognition in September.

The ceremony was overseen by His Eminence Prof. Dr. Madhu Krishan, the Academy’s founder and a globally renowned humanitarian leader previously honored by former U.S. President Barack Obama.

Prof. Krishan personally presented the award, highly commending Counsel Blessings for her unwavering dedication to community transformation and inspirational leadership qualities.

The selection criteria focused heavily on her demonstrable community impact, her leadership skills, and her committed efforts to champion human rights and peace. Specifically, her work through the Bro. Ronnie Ministries and her profound influence within her Christian faith community were pivotal to this recognition.

The Diplomatic Union of Mission for World Peace (D.U.M.P) confirms that Counsel Allen Blessings is the first woman from the African continent to ever be bestowed with this significant honor.

Her impactful tenure, marked by successful team leadership and inspiring positive change, has resulted in restored communities and countless lives being uplifted.

Her professional excellence, strong work ethic, and resolute faith serve as a powerful example, positioning her as a genuine trailblazer for women across the legal and humanitarian sectors.

This achievement is recognized globally, encouraging African women everywhere to strive for greater heights through dedication and purpose.

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Muledhu David, identified as the National Executive Secretary of the so-called Uganda Boys Scouts Association, was brought before the Makindye Magistrate’s Court this evening.

He faces multiple charges, including unlawful occupation of land, malicious damage to property, and conspiracy to commit a felony.

Muledhu is the eighth individual to be charged in connection with the incident. He joins seven other scout leaders who were previously arraigned in the same case.

The group is accused of forcibly taking over the National Camping and Scouts Centre in Kaazi–Busaabala on June 24, 2025.

According to reports, the group’s actions disrupted the operations of the Uganda Scouts Association and resulted in significant property damage. Muledhu has been remanded until September 1, 2025.

The arrest and arraignment were a joint effort by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, the Criminal Investigations Directorate, and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The post Uganda Scouts Association official arraigned in court for alleged land grab appeared first on Daily Secrets.

KAMPALA. The State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU) stands at a decisive moment. With its wide mandate and presence across government, it has the potential to transform how Uganda fights corruption—if it fully embraces digital tools.

In today’s digital age, Brig. Henry Isoke’s team can evolve from a traditional watchdog into a tech-driven force. Technology offers more than faster investigations; it offers prevention. By digitizing systems, the SH-ACU can seal loopholes, cut opportunities for theft, and entrench accountability in public service.

This requires moving beyond reactive probes into proactive monitoring. For instance, a blockchain-based land registry—already partly in place—could make fake land titles impossible. Every transaction would be permanent, transparent, and accessible, eliminating the shady backroom deals that fuel land fraud.

The same applies to public procurement. A fully digital portal could record bids, contracts, and payments in real time. With every contract published online, including changes and payouts, it would be harder for officials to hide bribes or inflate costs. Transparency, here, becomes its own deterrent.

AI and data analytics add another layer of defense. By linking to government financial systems, SH-ACU could automatically spot suspicious transactions—like sudden payments to shell companies or repeated transfers just below audit thresholds. Such red flags would trigger immediate alerts, allowing the unit to intervene before money is lost. The message to potential offenders would be simple: you will be caught.

Equally important is empowering citizens. A strengthened SH-ACU app can enhance the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU) by providing a secure, anonymous platform for citizens to report corruption. Users could submit tips, photos, and videos instantly, bypassing bureaucratic hurdles.

The app could also offer real-time tracking of reported cases, increasing transparency and holding officials accountable. By leveraging technology, SH-ACU can crowdsource information, analyze data for fraud patterns, and streamline its investigative processes, making the fight against corruption more efficient and accessible. This empowers citizens and builds public trust

By leveraging technology, SH-ACU can crowdsource information, analyze data for fraud patterns, and streamline its investigative processes, making the fight against corruption more efficient and accessible. This empowers citizens and builds public trust

Social media campaigns could deepen this civic engagement, educating Ugandans about their rights and showcasing real success stories. This way, the fight against corruption becomes not only institutional but cultural—embedding integrity in everyday life.

Picture this: A Ministry of Health staffer notices a dubious multimillion shilling payment for “supplies.” Instead of staying silent, they use the app. AI flags it instantly. Investigators uncover a fraudulent company tied to a senior official, freeze the funds, and make swift arrests. Citizens follow the case transparently on the dashboard. This is accountability in action.

Ultimately, the digital revolution is not about catching thieves alone. It is about rebuilding faith in government, protecting public resources, and ensuring that national wealth serves the people.

Uganda has the tools. The SH-ACU has the mandate. What remains is the resolve to merge technology with governance—and build a future where corruption is the exception, not the rule.

The writer is a journalist and human rights activist

Email:jameskabengwa46@gmail.com.                           WhatsAPP: +256 703 641137

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The arrests were a collaborative effort between Uganda’s State House Anti-Graft Unit, the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).

Among the accused are four Congolese and three Ugandan nationals. They include Paluku Kisasi and Mabwongo Prince, both identified as purported gold sellers from the Congo, alongside Safari Akonkwa and Isaac Mpende, who allegedly posed as agents for Legacy Refinery Company.

The Ugandan suspects are Abdul Madjid Kahirima, a supposed gold smelter, and Kajjubi Tevin Kyome and Tibasiima Barbra (also known as Katushabe Sharon), who were representatives for Emerod Co. Ltd.

The group is accused of defrauding a Nigerian businessman, Mr. Mark Gbillah, of $70,000 between July and August 2025.

They allegedly promised to supply him with seven kilograms of gold through their companies, Legacy Refinery Limited and Emerod Agency Limited. However, investigators found that the companies had no legitimate gold to sell, and the suspects are believed to have mingled the minerals with the intent to defraud.

The charges against them include obtaining money by false pretenses and operating a refining and smelting business without a license.

All seven have been remanded until their next court appearance on August 19, 2025.

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The movement should continue confronting global problems in a united manner, said Yalchin Rafiyev, head of the Azerbaijani delegation, during the opening ceremony.

Facing challenges, “we must remain united in making joint progress towards achieving a peaceful and prosperous world in a truly just and equitable world order,” Rafiyev said.

Azerbaijan assumed the chairmanship of NAM in 2019 and is set to hand it over to Uganda later this week.

Addressing the meeting, Ugandan Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeje Odongo stressed the continued significance of the NAM in the face of increasingly complex international challenges.

“Today, we are confronted with several challenges worldwide, including insecurity, health pandemics, climate change, and terrorism,” he said.

“We also recognize challenges in financing for development and the very serious issue of the debt burden. It is crucial for us to address existing, new, and emerging issues collectively and in the interest of our membership for the good of mankind.”

According to the minister, Uganda believes that “multilateralism and solidarity are required now more than ever so that we can individually prepare and collectively respond to further challenges.”

“This is indeed a call for cooperation and collaboration within the NAM membership, a sentiment that I believe will be emphasized in the outcome document,” Odongo said.

The participating officials are expected to draft the final document, which will be submitted to a meeting of NAM foreign ministers Wednesday and Thursday.

Subsequently, it will be presented to the summit for approval.

The NAM Summit, themed “Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence,” is scheduled for Friday and Saturday.

Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs anticipates the participation of at least 1,500 delegates and more than 30 heads of state in the meeting.

The summit serves as a forum for 120 member states guided by the Bandung Principles, which include respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations, recognition of the equality of all races and nations, large and small, and abstention from intervention or interference in the internal affairs of other countries.

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