UPDF Detains Police Commissioner and Amuru Station Commanders in Money Laundering and Gold Scam Probes

The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS) has taken into custody a senior police commissioner and top officers from Amuru Police Station in separate investigations involving financial crimes.

Commissioner of Police Michael Mugabi, from the Fire Prevention and Rescue Services, was detained in late February after attending a meeting at DIS headquarters in Mbuya, Kampala. He and his supervisor, Director Stephen Tanui, were summoned in connection to a gold scam where a foreign investor lost billions of shillings. The investor had approached Mugabi to link him with gold dealers, who allegedly conned him. After failed recovery efforts, the matter reached State House, prompting DIS action.

Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke did not respond to inquiries about the arrests.

In a distinct case, Amuru District Police Commander SP Alfred Baluku, Officer-in-Charge SP George Aronyu, and CID head Detective ASP Isiko Balisanyuka were arrested last week alongside four junior officers, a DIS liaison soldier, and an informer. They allegedly helped a South Sudanese suspect launder and evade customs with US$200,500 (about Shs750 million) at Elegu border post on March 3, 2026, allowing him to flee to South Sudan.

Sources claim the officers only declared US$10,000 officially, sharing the rest among themselves. Searches revealed bank deposits linked to the laundering, with some confessing to splitting US$1,500. The suspects have been moved to Kampala for further questioning.

This article is based on reporting from the Daily Monitor.