news 4 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)

Six Senior OPM Officials Nabbed in Refugee Status Extortion Scam

The Inspectorate of Government (IGG) has arrested six senior officials from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) for allegedly running an extortion scheme that targeted asylum seekers. The officials are accused of demanding bribes in exchange for granting refugee status. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/six-senior-opm-officials-arrested-over-refugee-extortion-racket-5485466

The Inspectorate of Government (IGG) has taken swift action, arresting six senior officials from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM). These individuals are implicated in a sophisticated extortion racket that preyed on vulnerable asylum seekers seeking refuge in Uganda.

The accused, all reportedly working within the Department of Refugees, are alleged to have demanded substantial bribes, ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, from individuals applying for refugee status. Among those detained are Commissioner Patrick Okello and Assistant Commissioner Douglas Asiimwe, with the identities of four other senior staff members yet to be officially confirmed.

Sources indicate that the operation unfolded on Thursday afternoon with a surprise raid by IGG investigators on the department’s offices. The building was reportedly under lockdown for several hours as investigators meticulously searched for evidence. Key items seized include mobile phones, 12 laptops, and numerous classified files believed to be crucial to the ongoing investigation.

Following the extensive search, the six officials were formally arrested around 7 pm and taken for intensive interrogation. The investigation was reportedly spurred by numerous whistleblower complaints detailing a syndicate within the department that was circumventing official procedures to solicit bribes.

The scheme is said to have targeted individuals fleeing conflict and instability from countries such as Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Syria, Burundi, and Rwanda. Instead of processing applications based on humanitarian grounds, the officials allegedly turned the process into a “pay-to-play” enterprise. The IGG has stated that the investigation is ongoing, with further arrests anticipated as digital evidence is analyzed. The suspects are likely to face charges including abuse of office, corruption, and extortion.