Four Arrested After Joint Security Raid Recovers Suspected Fake Banknotes in Lira

Lira, Uganda | Four suspects have been arrested following a joint security operation that recovered suspected counterfeit banknotes and materials believed to have been intended for the production of fake currency in Lira City.

The suspects were arrested on Saturday, July 11, during an intelligence-led operation conducted by the Police and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) at Agenda 501 Hotel in Ireda Agali Cell, Ireda East Ward, Lira City East Division.

The suspects have been identified as Magambo Bashir, 55, a resident of California Village, Kyankende Sub-county in Kiryandongo District; Epieu David, 43, of Amuria District; Ebulu Emmanuel, 46, of Kapelebyong District; and Omuria Abdu, 40, of Soroti City.

North Kyoga Regional Police spokesperson SP PJ Okema said the operation followed credible intelligence about suspected counterfeit currency activities at the hotel.

He said security personnel recovered suspected counterfeit UGX 50,000 notes with a face value of UGX 3 million, along with assorted materials and chemicals believed to have been intended for the production of counterfeit currency.

“A case of alleged possession of counterfeit currency has been registered at Lira City East Division Police Station, and investigations are ongoing,” Okema said.

He added that detectives documented the scene, recorded statements from relevant witnesses, recovered the suspected exhibits and detained the suspects to facilitate further investigations.

According to Okema, the recovered banknotes and related materials were scheduled to be submitted to the Bank of Uganda Currency Centre in Lira for forensic examination to establish their authenticity and support the investigations.

Police have cautioned the public against engaging in the manufacture, possession, circulation or use of counterfeit currency, warning that such acts are serious criminal offences under Ugandan law.

The force has also appealed to members of the public to report any information relating to counterfeit currency to the nearest Police station.