Full List: Several OPM Officials Arrested For Fetching Millions From Asylum Seekers

By Swift Reporter

The Inspectorate of Government (IGG) has arrested six senior officials from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) over allegations that they solicited bribes from asylum seekers in exchange for granting them refugee status.

Among those arrested are Commissioner Patrick Okello and Assistant Commissioner Douglas Asiimwe, both attached to the Department of Refugees. The arrests followed an operation by IGG investigators targeting what authorities suspect was an organised extortion network operating within Uganda’s refugee management system.

Investigators allege that the officials demanded between $5,000 and $10,000 from asylum seekers seeking recognition as refugees in Uganda. The alleged scheme is said to have preyed on vulnerable individuals fleeing conflict, persecution and insecurity in several countries.

The operation unfolded on Thursday afternoon when IGG investigators raided offices within the Department of Refugees at the Office of the Prime Minister. During the search, authorities reportedly seized 12 laptops, several mobile phones and documents believed to be relevant to the ongoing investigation.

The offices remained sealed off for several hours as investigators examined records and electronic devices in an effort to establish the extent of the alleged corruption network.

The other officials arrested were identified as Geoffrey Mugabe, a Senior Settlement Commandant; Noel Ekwap, Head of Information Technology; Henry Bweme, a Registration Officer; and Arnold Nadiope, a Refugee Status Interviewing Officer.

Sources familiar with the investigation said the probe was triggered by multiple whistleblower reports alleging that some officials were circumventing established refugee status determination procedures and demanding payments in exchange for favourable decisions on asylum applications.

The suspects were taken into custody for questioning as investigations continue.

The IGG has not yet announced whether formal charges have been filed against the officials, but investigations into the alleged scheme remain ongoing.