KAMPALA – State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU) has dismissed allegations of corruption and bribery leveled against it in an online article published by “The Ankole Times”. The article claimed that the Unit had refused to investigate a bribery case involving Karago Construction and Investments Ltd, despite the company’s directors confessing to paying UGX 150M to bribe a judge.
However, the Unit has clarified that it had indeed launched an investigation into the matter on January 30, 2025, after Justice Dr. Douglas Singiza Karekona reported the alleged bribery attempt. “Upon receipt of this information, an investigation team comprising of a Principal Legal Officer and two detectives was assigned to investigate the allegations vide ACU GEF 030/2025 and take the necessary action,” the Unit said in a statement.
The investigation team apprehended Her Worship Anne Nanteza, Justice Singiza’s research assistant, who denied receiving any bribe, but further investigations uncovered evidence suggesting possible payment. “Her Worship Nanteza was released on police bond to enable further investigations,” the Unit added.
Additionally, Carol Aparo, a private lawyer allegedly involved in the bribery, was interviewed and released on police bond as investigations continue. “On 24th February 2025, Carol Aparo… turned up and was interviewed. She, too, denied but again other evidence was found pointing to her possible knowledge and conduit of the bribe,” the Unit said.
The Unit also received a written complaint from Emmaus Foundation Investments Ltd, which was formally registered and assigned to the same investigation team. “On 5th February 2025, after the report by Justice Singiza, a written complaint was received by the Unit from Emmaus Foundation Investments Ltd raising the same issues of the UGX 150M bribe,” the Unit explained.
The Unit’s leadership has condemned the article as “false and malicious”, stating that it aims to discredit the Unit’s efforts to fight corruption and fraud. “It is clear that the article is not only full of falsehoods and distortions, but a product of an unprofessional journalism by an online tabloid working with detractors who aim at discrediting the Unit in its efforts to fight corruption and fraud in the Country,” the Unit said.
The Unit commends Justice Singiza and Emmaus Foundation Investments Ltd for reporting the matter and cooperating with the investigation team. “We reiterate that this investigation, like others we have handled, will continue to its logical conclusion, in line with our culture of adhering to the law, established processes and professionalism in the conduct of our work,” the Unit reassured.
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