crime 13 July 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Four nabbed in Lira hotel with fake money-making supplies
Authorities in Lira have arrested four individuals at a hotel suspected of being involved in the production of counterfeit currency. The suspects were found with what appeared to be fake Shillings notes and the chemicals used for their creation. Source: https://observer.ug/news/four-arrested-with-fake-money-making-chemicals-in-lira
A sting operation in Lira City has resulted in the apprehension of four men suspected of engaging in the counterfeit money trade. The arrests took place at Agenda 501 Hotel in Lira City East Division, following a joint effort by the Uganda Police Force and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
The suspects, identified as Bashir Magambo, David Epieu, Emmanuel Ebulu, and Abdu Omuria, were found in possession of suspected counterfeit 50,000 Shilling notes with a total face value of Shs 3 million. Alongside the fake currency, security forces also confiscated chemicals and other materials believed to be used in the illicit production of money.
North Kyoga Regional Police spokesperson Patrick Jimmy Okema confirmed the recovery of the items, stating that the scene was documented and witness statements were recorded. The suspects are currently detained to aid in the ongoing investigation, and the seized materials are slated for forensic examination by the Bank of Uganda Currency Centre.
This incident follows a similar operation just weeks prior, where four other suspects were arrested in Lira with approximately $9 million in suspected counterfeit US dollar notes. These recent arrests highlight a concerning trend of counterfeit currency-related activities in the region.
https://observer.ug/news/four-arrested-with-fake-money-making-chemicals-in-lira