Ambassador Nelson Ocheger, Uganda’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, was recalled from his post in Abuja amid investigations into serious financial misconduct at the Ugandan High Commission.
The recall was prompted by allegations of money laundering and embezzlement involving embassy funds. Investigations by Uganda’s Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the State House Anti-Corruption Unit revealed that approximately UGX 300 million, intended to address wage shortfalls, was misappropriated. Additionally, funds meant for the construction of the embassy premises were allegedly diverted through dubious transactions.
One notable transaction under scrutiny involved the transfer of $1 million from the embassy’s account to a little-known company, Golden Edge Blocks Distribution Co. Ltd., which had no prior dealings with the mission. This raised suspicions of an attempt to exploit currency exchange rates for personal gain.
As investigations intensified, Ambassador Ocheger reportedly attempted to remove Mr. Eriya Tusubira from his role as the embassy’s accounting officer by instructing Stanbic Bank Abuja to withdraw Tusubira’s signature from the High Commission’s accounts. However, such authority resides with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance not the ambassador indicating a possible overreach in an attempt to obstruct the investigation.
The embassy’s operations have been severely affected, with staff going unpaid for months and delays in the commissioning of the new chancery due to financial constraints.
Ambassador Ocheger’s recall is part of a broader effort by Ugandan authorities to address corruption within its foreign missions. Similar investigations are underway concerning the Ugandan consulate in Dubai, which has been implicated in unrelated misconduct.
As of now, Ambassador Ocheger has not publicly responded to the allegations.
The investigations are ongoing, and further developments are anticipated. He is likely to be charged with corruption, embezzlement, abuse of office, and money laundering.