Scandals: Iganga Businesswoman Embezzles UGX 983M, Wakiso’s Kamakune & Nabatanzi Jailed Over Multimillion Land Fraud

By Swift Reporter

Erina Barugahara Wanzala, a businesswoman and Director of Basaam General Merchandise and Supplies Ltd, has been arraigned before the Anti-Corruption Court on charges of conspiracy to commit a felony. The case is being handled by the Uganda Police Anti-Corruption Unit, in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Directorate and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Wanzala, who was remanded in custody, is set to reappear on March 31, 2026, alongside her co-accused. Court documents allege that between January 2024 and December 2025, in Iganga District, Wanzala conspired with senior administrators of Iganga Technical Institute Eliachu David, Wabwire Benedict, and Ajuna Damali to embezzle UGX 983,480,000 from the institution.

Investigations indicate that Wanzala received the funds through bank transactions and withdrew the money in installments under the pretense of paying for food supplies to the institute. However, the supplies were reportedly never delivered during the 2024–2025 period.

In a related development, on March 27, 2026, the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), working with the ODPP and CID, arraigned Kamakune Lucky and Nabatanzi Hadijja before Kira Magistrates Court on charges of criminal trespass, impersonation, forgery, and uttering false documents in connection with land fraud.

The two women, along with others still at large, allegedly conspired to fraudulently claim ownership of a plot of land in Kyadondo, Kiwologoma, Kira Division, Wakiso District, which belongs to Ms. Karungi Suzan.

These purportedly forged a land title and presented it to PLC Financial Services in Ntinda, Kampala, as collateral while seeking a loan of UGX 30 million. Kamakune Lucky and Nabatanzi Hadijja were remanded to Luzira Prison and are also scheduled to appear in court on March 31, 2026.

SHIPU, under the guidance of Col. Edth Nakalema, reiterated its commitment to fighting fraud that threatens investment and Uganda’s socio-economic transformation, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with stakeholders in protecting citizens and investors.