David Kalemera, whose appointment to the State House Revenue Intelligence Unit last year sparked public outcry, is allegedly to have been relieved of his duties and reassigned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The decision follows mounting criticism over his controversial placement in a position critical to tackling tax fraud despite a prior conviction for financial misconduct.

Kalemera, a former senior official at the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), was convicted in 2022 for his role in a tax evasion scheme that resulted in significant financial losses for the government. According to court records, Kalemera, along with collaborators Ssemanda Ian Paul and Kazibwe Ronald, manipulated customs documents to underreport taxable goods passing through Mombasa port. The fraudulent scheme, exposed during a High Court trial, involved falsified invoices and packing lists to avoid paying the correct duties.

Justice Lawrence Gidudu, who presided over the case, described the actions as deliberate and damaging, highlighting the sophisticated nature of the operation. The court found that Kalemera played a central role in the conspiracy, providing critical documents to execute the fraud.

Despite his conviction, Kalemera was appointed to head the newly created Revenue Intelligence Unit in 2023, tasked with combating tax evasion and improving revenue collection. His appointment faced backlash from anti-corruption activists and the public, who questioned the government’s commitment to integrity in the fight against corruption.

“This reassignment is overdue and necessary to restore public trust in the country’s revenue management systems,” said an anti-corruption campaigner based in Kampala.

Kalemera has consistently denied wrongdoing, claiming he was the victim of a politically motivated prosecution. Following his reassignment, he reiterated his commitment to public service, stating he would continue working to improve Uganda’s global standing.

The government has yet to announce Kalemera’s replacement at the Revenue Intelligence Unit, a department created to enhance accountability in tax collection. Meanwhile, critics continue to call for stricter vetting processes for appointments to key government positions.