Uganda’s fight against corruption intensified as police detained nine finance ministry officials linked to a $16.87 million theft. The cyberattack targeted the Bank of Uganda’s IT systems, leading to the loss of 62 billion shillings.
According to the finance ministry, the suspects, including the top Treasury official, were detained to aid investigations. Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke confirmed the arrests, saying, “The investigation is critical to restoring trust in Uganda’s financial systems.”
The hacking group, reportedly calling itself “Waste,” allegedly breached the central bank’s systems and transferred the funds illegally. State Minister for Finance Henry Musasizi had earlier confirmed the breach and the theft in November 2024.
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The Criminal Investigations Department is leading the inquiry, focusing on officers from the accountant general’s office. The finance ministry, in a statement posted on its X account, refrained from naming those detained but assured the public that the matter was being taken seriously.
This scandal highlights the growing threat of cybercrime in Uganda, which experts say costs the country billions annually. Calls for enhanced digital security measures and accountability in public offices have grown louder.
