The State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU) has strongly refuted claims that it failed to investigate a UGX 150M bribery scandal involving Karago Construction and Investments Ltd, allegedly meant to influence High Court Judge Douglas Singiza.
In a statement issued by SH-ACU, the Unit clarified that it had, in fact, launched an investigation immediately after Justice Singiza himself reported allegations that his research assistant, Her Worship Anne Nanteza, had received part of a UGX 150M bribe. The money was allegedly intended to sway his ruling in a legal dispute between Karago Construction and Emmaus Foundation Investments Ltd.
Upon receiving the report on January 30, 2025, SH-ACU promptly assigned a team of investigators to the case. That same day, Nanteza was apprehended and questioned. While she denied receiving any bribe, further evidence suggested otherwise, leading to her release on police bond as inquiries continued.
On February 5, 2025, Emmaus Foundation Investments Ltd formally lodged a complaint with SH-ACU regarding the same bribery allegations. The Unit confirmed that the complaint was officially registered under reference number 5565/25 and assigned to the team already investigating the case.
The SH-ACU also addressed claims made in an article by The Ankole Times, which alleged that Karago Construction’s directors had lodged a complaint demanding the return of their bribe money. The Unit categorically denied this, stating that no such complaint had been filed.
Furthermore, the Unit revealed that Emmaus Foundation Investments Ltd had distanced itself from the article’s claims and expressed satisfaction with how the investigation was progressing. The company confirmed it had been in close contact with the investigation team throughout the process.
SH-ACU commended Justice Singiza and Emmaus Foundation Investments Ltd for promptly reporting the matter and cooperating with investigators. The Unit assured the public that the case would be pursued to its logical conclusion with professionalism and adherence to legal procedures.
The statement serves as a firm rejection of allegations that SH-ACU ignored the bribery claims, reinforcing its commitment to fighting corruption and upholding the rule of law in Uganda.