news 17 September 2026 Nile Post
PACEID Official Mathew Bagonza Arrested, Charged with Money Laundering and Abuse of Office
Mathew Bagonza, an aide to PACEID chairman Odrek Rwabwogo, has been remanded to prison after being charged with abuse of office and money laundering. The charges stem from allegations of improperly registering a private company and transferring significant funds to his personal account. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/371369/rwabwogo-aide-bagonza-remanded-over-money-laundering-abuse-of-office
The Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala has formally charged and imprisoned Mathew Bagonza, a key aide to Odrek Rwabwogo, the chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID).
Bagonza, who heads the PACEID secretariat, appeared before Principal Grade One Magistrate Christopher Opit on Thursday. He faces serious allegations including abuse of office and money laundering.
Prosecutors allege that in January 2024, while in his official capacity, Bagonza improperly registered a private limited company named Presidential Initiative on Export and Industrial Development. This company reportedly had objectives similar to PACEID, and its incorporation is seen as prejudicial to the interests of his employer and the Ugandan government.
Further accusations involve the transfer of Shs171.7 million from an account opened under the private company’s name to Bagonza’s personal account. These transactions allegedly occurred between September 2023 and August 2026 at Housing Finance Bank, Kololo Branch. Authorities believe these transfers were an attempt to conceal the illicit origin of the funds, which are suspected to be proceeds of crime.
As the offences are capital in nature and fall under the jurisdiction of the High Court, Bagonza was not required to enter a plea. Investigations into the matter are reportedly ongoing.
The case has been adjourned to October 5, 2026, with Bagonza remanded in custody until that date. His arrest had previously garnered attention, with the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, confirming his detention in August.
Odrek Rwabwogo, Bagonza’s employer, has previously stated that any allegations should be handled through the proper legal channels and that he was unaware of the circumstances surrounding his aide’s arrest.
His court appearance was attended by Bishop Patience Rwabwogo, daughter of President Yoweri Museveni, and her husband Odrek Rwabwogo, along with Bagonza’s relatives.