Lawrence Semakula, the Accountant General, has been arrested by the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) in connection with the disappearance of UGX 60 billion from the Bank of Uganda last year.
Lawrence Semakula was arrested alongside several other officials from the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Uganda, including Jennifer Muhurizi, Mubarak Nansamba, Paul Lumala, Mark Kasuku, Judith Asaba, Deborah Kusiima, Tonny Yawe, and Priscilla Nayebare.
The missing funds, over UGX 60 billion, were reportedly siphoned from a Bank of Uganda account in just a matter of minutes. The money was later withdrawn in Japan and the UK.
Sources confirm that the case files have been transferred to both Nateete Police Station and Kira Division Police for further investigation.
Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke confirmed the arrests and the ongoing search at Ssemakula’s residence.
“We have nine persons in custody as part of our investigation into the missing funds. More details will follow as the inquiry progresses,” Rusoke said.
The case has sparked national concern over financial oversight at the Ministry of Finance, with growing calls for tighter controls to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Lawrence Semakula has been a key figure in Uganda’s public financial management for over two decades. Until now, Semakula was regarded as an architect of Uganda’s financial accountability reforms. His current role as Accountant General saw him manage Treasury Operations and oversee the Petroleum Fund, amongst many other roles.
