The Billions They Stole: Uganda’s Biggest Corruption Scandals Exposed

Photo of Uganda shillings ( Photo For Illustration only)

Uganda has faced numerous corruption scandals over the years, leading to significant financial losses and public outcry. Here are some of the most notable cases:

1. The Office of the Prime Minister Scandal (2012):

In 2012, it was revealed that officials in the Office of the Prime Minister embezzled approximately $12.6 million intended for rebuilding northern Uganda and aiding the impoverished Karamoja region. This led to international donors, including the EU, UK, Germany, Denmark, Ireland, and Norway, suspending aid to Uganda.

2. The Refugee Aid Scandal (2018):

In 2018, a major corruption and mismanagement scandal hit Uganda's refugee program, which had been widely praised until then. The scandal implicated both government officials and the UN’s refugee agency (UNHCR), making global headlines. Despite the severity of the allegations, many of those most involved have faced limited accountability.

3. The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) Scandal (2007):

Preparations for the 2007 CHOGM in Kampala were marred by allegations of mismanagement and corruption. Funds allocated for infrastructure and services were reportedly misused, leading to public criticism and legal action against several officials.

4. The Global Fund Scandal (2005):

In 2005, investigations revealed that funds from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria were misappropriated by Ugandan officials. This led to the suspension of aid and highlighted significant issues in the management of health funds.

5. The Pension Scam (2012):

In 2012, a scandal emerged involving the embezzlement of over $60 million from the Public Service Pension Scheme. Senior government officials were implicated in creating ghost pensioners to siphon funds, leading to public outrage and calls for accountability.