Big Story: City Businessman Nuwagaba Arrested For Conniving With ‘Water Ministry Officials’ To Milk Ugx500m From Chinese Firm

By Swift Reporter

A businessman has been remanded to September 29, 2026, after being arraigned before the Anti-Corruption Court over allegations of impersonating a public official, corruption and demanding money by menace.

Nuwagaba Vincent was arrested and brought before court in a joint operation involving the Anti-Corruption Unit, the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).

Prosecution alleges that in August 2026, Nuwagaba targeted a director of Double Q Company Ltd, a Chinese-owned company involved in vehicle assembly, and demanded UGX 500 million.

According to investigators, Nuwagaba allegedly impersonated an official from the Ministry of Water and Environment and falsely claimed that the company was degrading a wetland at Nakirebe in Mpigi District.

The prosecution alleges that he demanded the money while claiming that he could help the company’s directors prevent or frustrate possible action by authorities against their activities at the site.

Investigators further allege that Nuwagaba did not act alone, but worked with individuals said to be officials from the Ministry of Water and Environment and Mpigi Magistrate’s Court to exert pressure on the company’s directors to pay the money.

The alleged scheme reportedly involved activities in different locations in Mpigi and Kampala.

Following investigations, Nuwagaba was charged before the Anti-Corruption Court and remanded until September 29, when he is expected to return to court.

Authorities say investigations into the matter are still ongoing, with efforts underway to identify and apprehend all other individuals allegedly involved in the scheme.

The charges against Nuwagaba remain allegations until proven in court.

The case highlights the risks posed by individuals who allegedly use the names and authority of government institutions to demand money from businesses by threatening regulatory or legal action.

The Anti-Corruption Unit, CID and ODPP have continued to pursue investigations into suspected corruption and related offences, particularly cases involving alleged abuse or impersonation of public authority for financial gain.