KAMPALA, Uganda
The Inspectorate of Government (IGG) has arrested the Commissioner for Refugee Management in the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), Patrick Okello, alongside six other suspects over allegations of extortion linked to the refugee registration process.
The arrests, announced by the Inspectorate of Government through its official communication channels, are part of an ongoing anti-corruption investigation targeting alleged irregularities within refugee management structures.
Those arrested include Patrick Okello, Commissioner for Refugee Management; Douglas Asiimwe, Assistant Commissioner for Refugee Management; Geoffrey Mugabe, Senior Settlement Commandant; Noel Ekwap, Head of Information Technology; Henry Bweme, Registration Officer; Arnold Nadiope, Refugee Status Interviewing Officer; and Zafar Ahmad, identified by investigators as a Pakistani national.
According to preliminary findings released by the IGG, investigators suspect the group was involved in an extortion network allegedly operating within the refugee registration system.
The Inspectorate alleges that Zafar Ahmad acted as an intermediary between refugees and officials in the Office of the Prime Minister, facilitating transactions that investigators believe were linked to the alleged scheme.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the amount of money involved, the number of affected refugees, or how long the alleged activities may have been ongoing.
The arrests followed search operations conducted by investigators from the Inspectorate of Government, during which officials say documents considered important to the investigations were recovered.
The suspects have since recorded statements at the IGG offices as investigators continue gathering evidence.
At the time of publication, no formal charges had been publicly announced, and investigators indicated inquiries remain ongoing.
Uganda hosts one of the largest refugee populations in Africa, with refugees primarily coming from neighboring countries affected by conflict and instability, including South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia and Ethiopia.
The country’s refugee management system widely recognized for allowing freedom of movement, access to land, and social services depends heavily on registration processes managed through government institutions and humanitarian partners.
Any allegations involving corruption or extortion within refugee registration systems raise concerns because registration determines access to humanitarian assistance, settlement allocation, legal documentation, and other essential services.
The Inspectorate of Government described the operation as part of broader efforts to strengthen accountability and fight corruption in public institutions.
The anti-graft body has increasingly targeted public officials across sectors as government agencies face pressure to improve transparency and service delivery.
Officials emphasized that investigations are continuing and urged the public to allow due process to take its course.
Also Read: Muwanga Kivumbi Case Adjourned Due to Missing Court File
