State House Anti-Corruption Unit has passionately denied allegations of failing to investigate UGX 150M bribery case involving Karago Construction and Investments Ltd and Justice Douglas Singiza.
In a strongly worded press statement released, the unit dismissed a report by The Ankole Times an online based news platform as false and malicious accusing the publication of distorting facts to discredit its efforts in fighting corruption.
The controversy stems from an article by journalist Alpha Aiden who alleged that the State House Anti-Corruption Unit refused to act on a complaint filed by Emmaus Foundation Investments Ltd accusing Karago Construction of bribing a judge to influence a legal ruling.
According to the press statement, the claim is entirely untrue as the unit has been actively investigating the matter since January 30, 2025, when Justice Dr. Douglas Singiza reported receiving intelligence that his research assistant Her worship Anne Nanteza had allegedly received a UGX 150M bribe.
Following the report, an investigation team comprising of a principal legal officer and two detectives was immediately dispatched to examine the allegations.
That same afternoon, Nanteza was apprehended, interviewed and later released on police bond as inquiries continued.
Further investigations led to the arrest of private lawyer Carol Aparo who was suspected to have acted as an intermediary in the bribery scheme. Aparo initially in hiding was later interrogated and released on bond as well.
On February 5, 2025, Emmaus Foundation Investments Ltd formally filed a complaint raising the same bribery concerns.
State House Anti-Corruption Unit clarified that the complaint was duly received and registered under Complaint Reference 5565/25 further reinforcing the ongoing nature of the probe.
One of Emmaus Foundation’s directors Mr. Barigye Martin was interviewed and his statement was recorded as part of the investigation process.
State House Anti-Corruption Unit dismissed claims that it neglected to handle the case stating that its leadership has maintained close collaboration with investigative teams.
Additionally, the unit revealed that Karago Construction directors have never personally lodged any complaint, contradicting allegations that they sought State House Anti-Corruption Unit’s intervention for the return of their ‘lost’ bribe money.
Condemning The Ankole Times for what it described as an act of “unprofessional journalism,” Anti-Corruption Unit accused the publication of working with attackers to tarnish its reputation.
“The article is not only full of falsehoods and distortions but a product of an online tabloid aimed at discrediting our work in fighting corruption and fraud in Uganda,” the statement read.
Despite the controversy, State House Anti-Corruption Unit reaffirmed its commitment to seeing the investigation through to its logical conclusion.
“We reiterate that this case like all others we handle will be pursued in accordance with the law, established procedures and professionalism,” the unit declared.
As Uganda intensifies its anti-corruption efforts, this case highlights the challenges and political tensions surrounding high-profile investigations.
