In a shocking turn of events, Accountant General Lawrence Semakula has been arrested by the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) in connection with the disappearance of USD 16 million (approximately UGX 60 billion) from the Bank of Uganda.
Semakula, who has been at the helm of the Accountant General’s office, was picked up by CID operatives along with six other officials from the Ministry of Finance on Tuesday afternoon.
The arrests come after a three-month investigation into the hacking of the Bank of Uganda’s systems, which resulted in the loss of the hefty sum.
The other officials arrested include Jenifer Muhurizi, Mubaraka Nansamba, Tony Yawe, Paul Lumala, Mark Kasuku, and Judith Ashaba DeboraH Kusima.
The incident has raised concerns about the vulnerability of Uganda’s financial systems to cyberattacks and the need for robust cybersecurity measures.
The government has confirmed that the Bank of Uganda’s accounts were hacked, but denied the reported loss of Shs62 billion.
As the investigation continues, the arrest of Accountant General Semakula and the other officials sends a strong message that those responsible for the disappearance of public funds will be held accountable.
The development is a significant milestone in the efforts to tackle corruption and ensure transparency in the management of public finances.
Ugandans will be watching closely as the case unfolds, hoping that justice will be served and that measures will be put in place to prevent such incidents in the future.