By Aggrey Baba
As the saying goes, “A fish rots from the head,” and Uganda’s latest scandal proves no exception. In a heist that has left the nation shocked and disappointed, $20 million was siphoned from the Bank of Uganda through a sophisticated scheme involving hackers and, allegedly, high-ranking government officials. While $8 million of the stolen funds have been recovered, the remaining $12 million has reportedly been pocketed by influential insiders, leaving the country grappling with betrayal at the highest level.
The scandal first surfaced on October 8, 2024, when the International Development Association (IDA) notified the Ministry of Finance about a missing payment of over $6 million due in September. Days later, further investigations revealed an even more alarming reality: a total of $20 million meant to repay loans from IDA and the African Development Bank (ADB) had vanished. As officials scrambled for answers, the scent of corruption grew stronger. The money, intended to uphold Uganda’s reputation with international creditors, had instead been diverted, some to the United States and some to Japan. While funds sent to the U.S. were successfully traced and recovered, the portion wired to Japan was withdrawn and, reportedly, shared among powerful individuals in the government.
“Where there is no shame, the thief thrives,” an elder once said. It seems fitting as reports suggest the masterminds behind this crime are the very people tasked with protecting Uganda’s coffers. Sources allege that senior officials flew to Japan and South Africa under the guise of official duties, only to collect their share of the loot. The public has been left questioning how such an elaborate scheme could be executed without the complicity of those in power. Even President Museveni, who prides himself on taking a hands-on approach, has been unable to recover the full amount. While his investigations team managed to retrieve $8 million, the rest remains lost, fueling suspicions about how deep the rot goes.
The Ministry of Finance, instead of focusing on the culprits, initially targeted whistleblowers, summoning them for questioning. Meanwhile, the Bank of Uganda was bizarrely tasked with investigating itself—a move critics see as a blatant conflict of interest. This strategy, some say, was designed to protect powerful insiders while shifting the blame onto less influential figures. Though police and cybercrime units have made some progress, many believe this case is far from being resolved. “When the crocodile is your lawyer, justice drowns,” a villager quipped, reflecting the public’s waning faith in accountability.
The people of Uganda are now left with more questions than answers. Will those responsible be held accountable, or will this scandal be swept under the rug like so many others before it? What does this say about the security of the nation’s financial systems? And most importantly, how can ordinary citizens trust a government that seems so intent on enriching itself at their expense?
In the end, this heist is more than just a theft; it’s a betrayal of the nation’s trust. As the investigation unfolds, one can only hope that justice will prevail. But as the elders often warn, “If the drum beats for thieves, the dance of shame will echo for generations.” (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at [email protected]).
