By Spy Uganda
Scan.1.3.25
The State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU) has strongly refuted claims made in an article published by The Ankole Times, alleging that the Unit was involved in a bribery cover-up. The article, authored by Alpha Aiden, accused SH-ACU of failing to act on a UGX 150M bribery complaint involving Karago Construction and Investments Ltd and Justice Douglas Singiza.
In a press statement, SH-ACU described the article as “false and malicious,” aimed at discrediting its efforts in fighting corruption. The Unit provided a detailed timeline of events to clarify the facts.
The Allegations and the Truth
The article alleged that SH-ACU ignored a bribery complaint by Emmaus Foundation Investments Ltd against Karago Construction and Investments Ltd. However, SH-ACU clarified that on January 30, 2025, Justice Singiza himself reported allegations of bribery, stating that UGX 150M had been received by his research assistant, Her Worship Anne Nanteza, with a portion allegedly intended to influence his ruling in favor of Karago Construction. Justice Singiza requested an urgent investigation, as he had never received the money.
Upon receipt of this information, SH-ACU assigned a team—including a Principal Legal Officer and two detectives—to investigate the claims. That same afternoon, Anne Nanteza was apprehended and questioned. Although she denied involvement, other evidence suggested possible payment. She was released on police bond as investigations continued.
On February 24, 2025, private lawyer Carol Aparo, suspected of being a conduit for the bribe, was also arrested. Despite her denial, further evidence linked her to the transaction, and she, too, was released on bond pending further inquiries.
On February 5, 2025, SH-ACU received a formal complaint from Emmaus Foundation Investments Ltd regarding the same UGX 150M bribery. The case was officially registered under Complaint Reference 5565/25, and investigations were merged with the ongoing probe under case number ACU GEF 030/2025. Mr. Barigye Martin, a director at Emmaus Foundation, was interviewed and his statement recorded.
SH-ACU Calls Out False Reporting
The press statement emphasized that SH-ACU never declined to receive or investigate the complaint. The leadership of the Unit even reached out to company officials, who distanced themselves from the allegations in The Ankole Times and expressed satisfaction with the ongoing investigations.
SH-ACU criticized the article as a product of “unprofessional journalism” aimed at undermining the Unit’s anti-corruption efforts. The statement reaffirmed the Unit’s commitment to a fair and thorough investigation, adhering to legal procedures and professional standards.
The State House Anti-Corruption Unit commended Justice Singiza and Emmaus Foundation Investments Ltd for reporting the matter and cooperating with investigators. SH-ACU assured the public that the case would be pursued to its logical conclusion in line with its mission to fight corruption and uphold justice.
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