In Uganda, the financial impact is already significant. According to the Uganda Police Annual Crime Report, more than Shs5.3 billion was lost to cybercrime in 2025. This underlines the need for stronger protection by banks, businesses and individuals.

Many fraud attempts begin with a simple message or phone call. Someone may pretend to be a bank employee and claim that a customer’s account needs to be updated, a PIN must be changed, a transaction reversed or an account urgently secured. The fraudster then asks for confidential information or sends a link to a fake website.

Centenary Bank has repeatedly reminded customers that it will never ask for a PIN, OTP, password or other confidential banking credentials through unsolicited calls, SMS, email or social media messages. Customers who need assistance should always use the Bank’s official communication channels.

The most important rule is simple: never share information that can be used to access your account. This includes your account PIN, ATM PIN, OTP, card details, CVV and password. Customers should also use strong and unique passwords and avoid clicking links sent through SMS, email or WhatsApp when those links ask them to log into their bank account or provide personal information.

Fraudsters often rely on fear and urgency. They may claim that an account will be blocked, a transaction will fail or a reward will expire unless the customer acts immediately. Whenever a banking request feels urgent or unusual, stop the conversation and contact the bank through an official channel before taking any action.

Customers should also pay close attention to SMS and email transaction alerts. Any transaction that is not recognised should be reported immediately, as early reporting gives the bank a better chance to investigate and reduce further loss.

As digital banking grows, banks must also continue strengthening their systems and controls. Centenary Bank has invested in technology, including its Oracle FLEXCUBE core banking platform, to support real-time transaction monitoring and fraud detection. Unusual activity, such as a transaction from an unfamiliar device, location or customer pattern, can be flagged for further review or stopped where necessary.

The Bank has also strengthened internal safeguards through a 24-hour fraud monitoring team and enhanced internal review and assurance activities. Data analytics and risk-based monitoring are used to review transactions, staff access and system activity to identify potential internal and external threats.

Customers also have an important role to play. Through CenteMobile, one can benefit from real-time transaction alerts, two-factor authentication and tools that support quick action where an account is suspected to have been compromised.

October, recognised as Cybersecurity Awareness Month, provides an important opportunity to reinforce these habits. Uganda’s National Cybersecurity Strategy 2022–2026 recognises awareness as an important part of strengthening national cybersecurity resilience and we have seen financial institutions use this period to help customers understand common fraud techniques and the steps they can take to avoid becoming victims.

Fraudsters will continue changing their tactics. The best defence is therefore a combination of strong banking controls, informed customers and constant vigilance. To the customers, protect your credentials, question unexpected requests, verify before acting and report suspicious activity immediately.

The writer is the Manager, Information Security Assurance at Centenary Bank.

By Elison Twinomugisha

Under this partnership, Centenary Bank provides the financing; Airtel Uganda, through its mobile money platform facilitates loan applications, disbursements and repayments, while gnuGrid supports customer profiling to inform credit assessment.

According to Bank of Uganda, digital loan disbursements reached approximately UGX 4.8 trillion across 306.3 million transactions in the 12 months to December 2025. The value of these disbursements increased by 96.1% compared with the previous year. These figures show the growing role of digital channels in access to credit.

While launching the product at Centenary Bank headquarters in Kampala, the Managing Director of Centenary Bank, Godfrey Byekwaso, said this solution supports the bank’s commitment to making banking more convenient through SMART banking. It builds on the bank’s existing digital channels, including GonzaPay, CenteMobile, Internet Banking and Agent Banking giving customers more ways to access financial services.

“As Centenary Bank, we believe that this partnership shall open up doors to more people out there who wish to get quick, instant loans to solve quick challenges,” he said. Byekwaso added that as they roll out Kwaata Sente, emphasis will be placed on customer experience, transparency and responsible lending. Customers should understand the applicable charges, repayment dates and consequences of late repayment before accepting a loan.

“I encourage customers to borrow for genuine need and take only what they can repay within the agreed period. Timely repayment helps build a positive repayment record that may inform future credit assessments,” he said.

Airtel Money Managing Director, Japhet Aritho said Kwaata Sente addresses a real market need by providing eligible Airtel Money customers with convenient access to short-term credit without the need to visit the bank branch or complete a physical paper. “With loans ranging from UGX 10,000 and more, subject to approved limits, customers can access funds directly through their mobile wallet. For a small business owner managing a cash flow or a trader replenishing stock, timely access to credit can make a meaningful difference.”

David Opio Obwangamoi, the CEO of gnuGrid, said the product was put into the pilot phase almost a year ago where they have been doing testing, witnessing the customer experience and how it could stand the test of time when it is launched.

“To me financial inclusion in a practical way is about partnerships, innovations and going beyond the conventional way of doing things and figuring out means to reach the unbanked, and Kwaata Sente in a practical way is going to do exactly that. So, I can’t wait to see all Ugandans being able to access affordable credit from Kwaata Sente anywhere, anytime, and meet those financial needs on a daily basis,” Obwangamoi said. Eligible Airtel customers can access Kwaata Sente by simply dialing *185*8*5# and borrow up to UGX 500,000 directly through Airtel Money.

The initiative forms part of the Cente Green Programme, launched in August 2026 as a key component of Centenary Bank’s sustainability agenda. The programme aims to support the planting and management of 100,000 trees annually over five years, contributing to landscape restoration and the responsible management of natural resources.

Speaking during the tree planting exercise at Nyamwegabira Parish in Kanungu District, Mr. Benon Nsimenta, Centenary Bank Kihihi Branch Manager, thanked the Kabale Catholic Diocese for choosing Nyamwegabira Parish as pioneer beneficiaries saying that as Centenary Bank, they will ensure that the project is well implemented as part of the bank’s Environmental, Social and Governance agenda and broader commitment to sustainable and responsible banking.

“At Centenary Bank, we are a values-based Bank that recognises the critical connection between financial services, businesses, communities and the environment in which they operate. This partnership demonstrates how private sector financing, faith-based institutions and local technical organizations can work together to deliver woodlot restoration across the country” Nsimenta said.

 Good Forest Foundation Uganda will provide technical guidance on site selection, appropriate tree species, planting, establishment, maintenance and monitoring to improve tree survival and ensure that the investment in the programme delivers lasting environmental benefits.

Ronald Mwikirize, Forest Field Coordinator, Good Forests Foundation said GFU brings extensive experience in community-led reforestation, agroforestry and sustainable land management across Central, Eastern and Western Uganda.

“We are going to provide technical guidance on site selection, species selection, planting, establishment, maintenance and monitoring which will ensure tree survival so that this partnership investment translates into long term environment restoration,” he said.

The Catholic Church will provide land and mobilise communities and church members to participate in the establishment and management of the woodlots. Twelve Catholic Dioceses are participating in the programme in 2026: Kasese, Fort Portal, Kiyinda-Mityana, Masaka, Mbarara, Kabale, Jinja, Tororo, Arua, Nebbi, Moroto and Kotido.

The Vicar General of Kabale Catholic Diocese, Msgr John Vianney Sunday, hailed the good work being done by Centenary Bank to restore the environment and support communities, noting that caring for creation is a shared responsibility entrusted to humanity by God.

“As a Church, we have a responsibility to care for the environment God has entrusted to us and restore areas that have been degraded. We have therefore set aside 30 acres of land within our diocese for tree planting. We will also mobilise communities to plant, protect and nurture these trees to ensure they grow and contribute to a healthier environment for future generations,” he said.

He called upon Christians and other community members to actively embrace the tree-planting initiative, urging them to go beyond planting trees to ensuring their survival through consistent care and protection.

In the whole of Western region, about 38,000 trees (Fort Portal 6,000, Mbarara 12,000, Kabale 12,000, and Kasese 8,000) will be planted this season as part of the 100,000 trees being planting across the country.

Together, Centenary Bank and partners aim to restore approximately 213 acres of land in 2026 through the establishment of well-managed woodlots using appropriate indigenous tree species.

Centenary Bank is bringing on board a total of UGX 204 million to support the partnership.  This comprises UGX 100 million in cash support for league operations, administration and programmes, UGX 100 million in in-kind media promotion to increase the visibility of domestic football and UGX 4 million in prize money for outstanding players at the end of the season. Centenary Bank’s digital payments platform, GonzaPay, will serve as the league’s official ticketing partner, enabling fans to purchase match tickets digitally while supporting more efficient ticketing and attendance management.

The partnership was announced at Centenary Bank’s Mapeera House headquarters in Kampala, marking a significant milestone for the league. It brings together two longstanding Ugandan institutions committed to serving communities and supporting national development.

Speaking at the launch, Centenary Bank Managing Director, Godfrey Byekwaso, said the partnership recognises the power of football to unite communities, inspire young people and create opportunities.

‘’Centenary Bank is the biggest local bank serving over 3.4 million customers, 82 branches, over 9,000 agents and 217 ATMs. We are serving everywhere in Uganda and football connects Ugandans. So, with that infrastructure, we needed to support an institution that supports and unites the same Ugandans that we serve. We are therefore glad to partner with the Uganda Premier League and support the continued development of the game,” he said.

Byekwaso noted that the partnership aligns with the bank’s wider commitment to youth development. Young people account for 38 per cent of Centenary Bank’s customers and the bank offers products and services designed to support their financial and personal development, including the CenteVolution account, youth loans and higher education loans. Its non-financial initiatives include financial literacy programmes, skills development opportunities and internships.

He added that the bank’s responsibility extends beyond providing financial services to supporting communities through its Environmental, Social and Governance agenda, under which it sets aside 1.5 per cent of its previous year’s profits for corporate social responsibility initiatives in health, Social Mission of the Church, education and environmental stewardship.

Centenary Bank’s support for the Uganda Premier League builds on its wider contribution to sports across the country. The bank supports sports initiatives including Buganda Kingdom’s Masaza Cup and also participates in sports tournaments such as the Annual Banker’s Sports Gala, the Corporate Sports Network League and the Rotary 5-aside sports tournament.

Dr. Arinaitwe Rugyendo, Board Chairman of the Uganda Premier League, described the partnership as a landmark development in the league’s history, noting that Centenary Bank is the first indigenous bank to partner with the competition in its nearly six-decade history.

“In nearly six decades of our league’s history, no indigenous bank has ever partnered with the league. Today, Centenary Bank becomes the first. This is a landmark partnership that will shape the future of Ugandan football,” he said.

Dr. Rugyendo said the partnership goes beyond conventional sponsorship, with the financial contribution, media promotion, player awards and digital ticketing expected to support the league’s operations and visibility while improving the experience for fans.

He also noted that the partnership comes amid growing confidence in the league, following a recent UGX 5.5 billion contribution from the Government of Uganda. He called on clubs, supporters and the media to embrace the partnership and help bring domestic football closer to Ugandans.

A central component of the collaboration is the integration of digital ticketing through Gonza Pay, powered by Centenary Technology Services. The solution is intended to simplify ticket purchases, reduce last-minute pressure at match venues and provide organisers with more reliable attendance information and transaction records.

Dr. Grace Ssekakubo, Chief Executive Officer of Centenary Technology Services, said the partnership demonstrates how technology can address practical challenges while improving experiences for football fans and organisers.

“Our focus is on developing innovations that solve real problems and inspire growth. Through Gonza Pay and its ticketing platform, fans will be able to purchase tickets more conveniently, while organisers benefit from real-time attendance information, reliable digital records and improved financial reconciliation. We look forward to continually improving the platform in response to user feedback and the evolving needs of the game,” he said.

The partnership reinforces Centenary Bank’s commitment to supporting initiatives that advance communities and create opportunities for Ugandans, while supporting the Uganda Premier League’s continued growth and ambition to deliver a more visible, accessible and professionally managed competition.

The Jinja Diocese launch, held at Namungalwe, Iganga District brought together the clergy, environmentalists, government officials and the general public to mark the extension of the Cente Green Programme to the Diocese.

The Cente Green Programme was officially launched in August 2026 as part of Centenary Bank’s broader sustainability agenda aimed at reducing its environmental footprint and supporting landscape restoration. Under the partnership, Centenary Bank will support the growing of 100,000 trees annually for five years, starting in 2026, while GFU will provide technical expertise, coordinate implementation and oversee the management and monitoring of the programme.

The Catholic Church will provide land and mobilise communities and church members to participate in the establishment and management of the woodlots. Twelve Catholic Dioceses are participating in the programme in 2026: Kasese, Fort Portal, Kiyinda-Mityana, Masaka, Mbarara, Kabale, Jinja, Tororo, Arua, Nebbi, Moroto and Kotido.

Together, Centenary Bank and partners aim to restore approximately 213 acres of land in 2026 through the establishment of well-managed woodlots using appropriate indigenous tree species.

Mr. Robert Kawampe, Centenary Bank Iganga Branch Manager, said the Cente Green Program forms part of the bank’s Environmental, Social and Governance agenda and its commitment to sustainable and responsible banking.

“At Centenary Bank, we are a values-based Bank that recognizes the critical connection between financial services, businesses, communities and the environment in which we operate. It is therefore imperative on us to restore the environment in order to enhance the resilience and prosperity of communities especially vulnerable ones because only then can the bank prosper,” he said.

Fr. Gerald Muto, Chancellor of Jinja Diocese, said the partnership provides an opportunity for the Church to use its land and community networks to support environmental restoration.

“The Church has a responsibility to care for creation and to encourage communities to protect the environment for future generations. Through this partnership, we are putting that responsibility into action by making land available, mobilising our communities and supporting the establishment and care of trees.

The programme goes beyond tree planting by focusing on the establishment and long-term survival of the trees. GFU will provide technical guidance on site selection, appropriate tree species, planting, establishment, maintenance and monitoring to improve tree survival and ensure that the investment in the programme delivers lasting environmental benefits.

Mr. Ronald Mwikirize, the Forestry Field Coordinator Good Forestry Foundation said the technical approach would be critical to ensuring that the programme delivers sustainable restoration rather than simply increasing the number of trees planted.

“Successful restoration is about more than putting seedlings in the ground. It requires the right species, right site, proper establishment and continued management. Our role is to bring the technical knowledge, coordination and monitoring needed to give these trees the best possible chance of surviving and contributing to healthy landscapes. By working with the Church and Centenary Bank, we can take this approach to a much larger scale.”

The five-year programme will continue to bring together the Church, Centenary Bank, Good Forest Foundation and participating communities around a common goal of growing healthy forests, restoring degraded land and strengthening environmental stewardship across Uganda.

In a video posted on TikTok last night, Mabonga defended Cohen as a legitimate investor and portrayed himself as someone providing private security services to the businessman. The disclosure has added a new factor to the growing controversy surrounding Cohen, a foreign gold dealer whose activities in Uganda have increasingly drawn attention from security agencies, gold traders and, reportedly, the highest levels of government.

Mabonga came into the limelight after publishing the above mentioned footage of Mugumya, which spread widely on social media and triggered public outrage over the alleged treatment of the opposition activist while in detention. However, the footage also brought Lt. Herbert Mabonga himself under scrutiny.

His association with Cohen had previously been noted, and his appearance alongside the gold dealer raised questions about the businessman he was protecting and the circumstances under which Cohen had established himself in Uganda’s lucrative gold industry. Mabonga’s subsequent defence of Cohen has now made those questions even more difficult to ignore. For starters, it’s important to profile the person of Carlos Cohen.

Who is He 

Until recently, Cohen Ferreira Carlos Partricio was a relatively obscure figure in Uganda’s gold-trading circles. He moved around in an armoured vehicle, surrounded by the kind of security and pomp commonly associated with high-value gold dealers. But unlike many of the indigenous gold traders who have operated in Uganda for years, Cohen’s profile suddenly rose after a purported letter from President Yoweri Museveni to the Inspector General of Police, directing the police chief to personally supervise investigations into a multimillion-dollar gold scam.

The letter, whose authenticity has been questioned by some people familiar with its circulation, was titled “INTERVENTION IN A GOLD SCAM CASE” and addressed to IGP Abas Byakagaba. In it, President Museveni purportedly recounts a complaint from two gold buyers, Gafar Ibrahim and Nagi Muhammed, Cohen`s collegues, who claimed to have lost hundreds of thousands of United States dollars to individuals they described as fraudsters.

“I have got a letter dated the 29th of June, 2026 from two gold buyers by the names of Gafar Ibrahim … and Nagi Muhammed,” the purported presidential letter begins. According to the document, the two complainants had narrated how large sums of money were allegedly taken from them in a gold transaction and how they subsequently reported the matter to several security agencies.

Among those named were Col. Edith Nakalema, Senior Presidential Advisor on Anti-Corruption and head of the State House Investors Protection Unit; Brig. Gen. Henry Isoke, who heads the State House Anti-Corruption Unit; Crime Intelligence, headed by Gen. Christopher Ddamulira; Uganda Police Force under IGP Byakagaba; and the military intelligence authorities.

The letter purportedly expresses the President’s dissatisfaction with the progress of the investigations. “All these have not helped them,” the document states, before directing the Inspector General of Police to personally take charge of the matter. “This is therefore to direct you to personally oversee the investigation of this scam, apprehend these criminals and recover their money,” the letter says.

It then reportedly gives the police chief two months to resolve the matter, subject to verification of the complainants’ claims. “I give you 2 months to solve this problem if the accusers are saying the truth,” the letter states.

Copies of the purported correspondence were reportedly circulated to several of the parties involved, including Ibrahim Muhammed Gafar. Yet, while Cohen’s name does not appear in the presidential letter, we have traced the circumstances surrounding the complaint to a much more intriguing figure, Cohen Ferreira Carlos Partricio, commonly known as Carlos Cohen.

According to information obtained by The Investigator, Cohen is alleged to have been instrumental in facilitating access between Gafar and Nagi and senior authorities at State House. That development raises a larger question of who exactly, is Carlos Cohen, the foreign gold dealer whose business dealings have apparently attracted presidential attention?

Who Exactly Is Carlos Cohen?

Cohen Ferreira Carlos Partricio was reportedly born on September 30, 1978, in Angola, to Alipio Joaquim Ferreira and Celeste Cohen. His early life and movements remain difficult to independently establish, but available information suggests that he left Angola in the late 1990s and eventually settled in Portugal, where he is said to have acquired citizenship.

His nationality and identity have, however, become a subject of discussion. In some circles, he has reportedly been described as Portuguese, while other accounts have associated him with Israel. The circumstances surrounding these different descriptions remain unclear. More significantly, records reportedly obtained from Portugal point to a long-running criminal case involving a person bearing Cohen’s name.

The records relate to proceedings before the Albufeira District Court (Tribunal Judicial de Albufeira) in Portugal’s Algarve region. According to those records, Cohen has for years been wanted in connection with criminal allegations involving unlawful appropriation, fraud and document forgery.

The case reportedly dates back to the early 2000s and concerns allegations that, if established in court, could have serious consequences. The Portuguese proceedings are particularly significant because they reportedly show that the defendant became difficult for authorities to locate.

The Allegations

The first allegation cited in the Portuguese proceedings is unlawful appropriation. In general terms, unlawful appropriation involves taking, using or retaining property belonging to another person without lawful authority or consent. The precise legal meaning and applicable penalty depend on the circumstances and the relevant provisions of Portuguese law.

The second allegation is simple fraud, or burla simples. Under Article 217 of Portugal’s Penal Code, fraud generally concerns obtaining an unlawful financial benefit by causing another person to act under an error or deception.

The third allegation concerns document forgery, commonly referred to in Portuguese as falsificação ou contrafacção de documento. The relevant provision, Article 256 of the Portuguese Penal Code, addresses conduct involving the falsification, alteration or misuse of documents where the statutory elements of the offence are met.

The 2006 Court Ruling

The Portuguese court records provide an unusual insight into what happened after Cohen became unavailable to the authorities. The proceedings are identified under Common Trial No. 451/00.0JAFAR, with Notice No. 2467/2006. According to the records cited, the matter was before the 2nd Court of the Albufeira District Court under Judge Dr. Patricia Malveiro.

On May 18, 2006, Cohen was reportedly declared contumacious under Article 335 of Portugal’s Code of Criminal Procedure. In simple terms, a declaration of contumacy is a legal mechanism applied when a defendant remains absent from proceedings in circumstances provided for by law. It can result in the suspension of proceedings until the defendant appears or is arrested.

A subsequent ruling stated thus; “The declaration of contumacy, which expires upon the defendant’s appearance in Court or arrest…” The ruling further provided for the suspension of the trial pending Cohen’s appearance or arrest and outlined additional legal consequences arising from the declaration.

Among those consequences was the restriction of certain legal and administrative transactions and the acquisition of specified official documents. The court consequently suspended the proceedings pending his arrest or appearance. That development would leave the case hanging over Cohen for years.

From Portugal to Dubai

According to the account being investigated by The Investigator, Cohen subsequently left Portugal and travelled to Dubai. It is from Dubai, according to the same account, that his Ugandan chapter began. While in Dubai, Cohen became acquainted with individuals connected to Uganda, eventually being introduced to a Ugandan national identified as Joram Itungo.

Itungo is described in the account as a 36-years long-serving State House employee. According to sources cited in the investigation, Itungo became an important link between Cohen and Uganda. After establishing contact with Itungo, Cohen travelled to Uganda. It was here, according to the account, that his involvement in Uganda’s gold trade began to attract increasing attention.

The Gold Business and the Disputes

Uganda’s gold trade is a lucrative but controversial sector, involving local traders, foreign buyers, brokers, refiners, investors and intermediaries. For Cohen, the business appears to have involved transactions running into millions of dollars. One of the disputes associated with him concerns a transaction in which he reportedly approached police at the Entebbe Aviation Police (AVIPOL), claiming that he had been defrauded of gold worth approximately USD1.6M.

That complaint adds another layer to a story that has increasingly become complicated by competing claims of victimhood. On one side are gold buyers who say they were defrauded and have sought the intervention of Uganda’s security agencies and State House. On the other are questions surrounding Cohen’s own history, including the unresolved proceedings reportedly pending against a person bearing his name in Portugal.

The result is an unusual situation in which an individual whose past is itself the subject of unresolved legal questions has emerged as a central figure in a dispute in Uganda involving claims of gold fraud running into hundreds of thousands, and potentially millions, of dollars.

Why President Museveni`s Intervention  

The purported presidential letter is significant. Not merely because of the money involved, but because of the extraordinary number of security and anti-corruption institutions reportedly approached before the matter reached the President. The correspondence names State House anti-corruption officials, Police, Crime Intelligence and military intelligence authorities.

The President’s reported instruction that the Inspector General of Police personally oversee the investigation is therefore likely to attract considerable public interest. But there is another question that remains unanswered. Why did a dispute involving private gold transactions require intervention at the highest level of government?

And perhaps more importantly, what was the precise relationship between Cohen, the complainants and the individuals who facilitated their access to State House? Those questions are at the heart of the continuing investigation.

The Bigger Questions

Cohen’s story raises a number of issues that authorities may ultimately have to clarify. First, what is his precise immigration and citizenship status in Uganda? Second, what is the current legal status of the Portuguese proceedings reportedly registered against him? Third, was the Portuguese arrest warrant ever executed, withdrawn, cancelled or otherwise disposed of?

Fourth, what exactly brought Cohen to Uganda’s gold market? Fifth, what was his relationship with the Ugandan officials and intermediaries who reportedly helped him establish contacts?

And finally, what was the precise nature of the gold transactions involving Gafar Ibrahim and Nagi Muhammed that ultimately triggered the purported presidential intervention? These questions cannot be conclusively answered merely by the existence of court records or complaints. They require documentary verification, responses from the individuals named, and clarification from the relevant authorities.

For now, what is clear is that Cohen Ferreira Carlos Partricio has moved from relative obscurity to the centre of a gold controversy that has reached the highest levels of Uganda’s security establishment. His reported history in Portugal, his movement through Dubai, his arrival in Uganda, his links to influential intermediaries and the multimillion-dollar gold disputes surrounding him form a complex trail that raises more questions than answers.

And as the Portuguese proceedings reportedly remain tied to his appearance or arrest, the next chapter of the Cohen story may ultimately depend not only on what happened in Uganda’s gold market, but also on whether the long-running legal questions surrounding his past are ever brought to a final conclusion.

Dr. Mugisha commended the Human Resources Directorate for the initiative and called for greater emphasis on preparing employees for retirement while they are still in active service, particularly through financial literacy programmes. “Invest in unit trusts, bonds and NSSF so that you are able to get the maximum benefit from the money you have,” he advised.

He noted that sound financial decisions made during one’s working years can provide greater security and independence after retirement. Central to his message was a simple formula for success, which he summed up in the acronym HEND – Hard Work, Entrepreneurship, Networking and Discipline.

He explained that hard work builds resilience and creates opportunities for growth, cautioning staff against relying on shortcuts to achieve success. Entrepreneurship, he said, allows individuals to create additional sources of income and build investments that can continue generating returns beyond formal employment.

Dr. Mugisha also highlighted the value of building the right networks, noting that meaningful professional and personal relationships can open doors to opportunities, knowledge and collaboration. Discipline, he added, provides the foundation needed to manage resources, maintain focus and exercise the self-control necessary to achieve long-term goals.

Beyond HEND, the Managing Director identified time management, integrity, consistency, a positive attitude, empathy and teamwork as important attributes for both professional and personal success. Turning his attention to the retirees, Dr. Mugisha thanked them for their contribution to NWSC over the years and recognised the different roles they had played in the Corporation’s growth and service delivery.

He reiterated NWSC’s commitment to recognising long service, noting that qualifying employees who retire after serving the Corporation for at least 25 years are entitled to lifetime medical care for themselves. Retirement, however, does not necessarily mark the end of their relationship with the Corporation. Dr. Mugisha told the retirees that their experience and institutional knowledge remain valuable to NWSC, describing them as a “reserve task force” whose expertise may still be called upon when needed.

Staff with specialised skills, he explained, could be engaged on special contracts where their knowledge and experience are required by the Corporation. For employees still in active service, his message was equally clear: remain relevant, continuously develop specialised skills and start preparing for retirement early. “Learn how to make yourselves special, but largely prepare for retirement,” Dr. Mugisha said.

His message underscored the importance of viewing retirement not as an abrupt end to one’s professional journey, but as a transition that requires deliberate financial planning, continuous learning and preparation for new opportunities.

The controversy has also raised questions about the treatment of suspects, the protection of witnesses and the exercise of prosecutorial discretion after a criminal case had already reached the Chief Magistrate`s Court at Buganda Road, City Hall chambers.

Last Friday, September 18th 2026 at be precise, three gentlemen walked into our offices in Kisaasi, to supposedly give an account of the events surrounding what they described as a gold-deal-gone-bad. Their leader, Joseph, was already known to the newsroom. One of the men was a lawyer who presented the group as acting on behalf of Sheikh Bukenya.

Their account broadly followed the chronology contained in a complaint filed by lawyers representing the alleged victim, a Nigerian Prince, Muhammad Kwaido. But the appearance of the men also introduced another dimension to the story. According to the account presented to us, they acknowledged the broad chronology surrounding the transaction but expressed concern about the direction of the criminal proceedings and the possibility that the Sheikh could ultimately face legal consequences.

That account though, could not by itself establish criminal liability against anyone. Its common knowledge that the allegations remain matters for investigators, prosecutors and the courts to determine. However, what is now beyond dispute, is that the transaction has generated a formal criminal complaint, a court case, an arrest warrant and a separate complaint to the Director of Public Prosecutions over the handling of the case file.

From a Mosque to a Restaurant

According to the account given to the newsroom and the complaint by Prince Kwaido’s lawyers, the alleged transaction began with discussions at Old Kampala Mosque. Kwaido, a Nigerian national described as a prince, and who was in dire need of Gold, was introduced to people said to be connected to the prospective sellers. The discussions subsequently moved to the office of the 2nd Deputy Mufti, Sheikh Hafidh Muhammad Harunah Bukenya.

From there, according to the account, the parties moved to a restaurant in the vicinity of Gaddafi Mosque at Old Kampala, as negotiations over the purported gold continued. The transaction then took another step. The parties travelled to a selected smelting company where they were allegedly expected to receive three bars represented to the prospective buyer as genuine gold.

They waited for associates of the purported sellers to arrive with the bars. When the bars were eventually delivered, the group reportedly left the premises. The account presented to the newsroom states that the parties travelled in a vehicle belonging to the Deputy Mufti towards an area near the Nigerian High Commission. It was there, according to the complainant’s account, that payment was made through a USDT cryptocurrency arrangement.

The amount involved was USD288,000. At the prevailing exchange rate, that would amount to hundreds of millions of Uganda shillings, making the alleged transaction one of considerable financial significance. However, the gold later turned out not what it appeared to be! The deception, according to the complainant, only became apparent after the transaction had been completed.

The buyer began the process of documenting the gold and preparing it for export. It was during additional testing and verification that questions emerged over the authenticity of the three bars. Further examination reportedly established that the bars were counterfeit. That discovery transformed what had initially appeared to be a high-value commercial transaction into a criminal complaint.

For the buyer, the central question was no longer simply whether the gold could be exported. It was how three bars prior presented as genuine gold had passed through a chain of meetings and intermediaries, including locations associated with religious leadership, before being handed over in a transaction worth nearly US$300,000.

The Criminal Case

Nevertheless, the dispute subsequently entered the criminal justice system. The lawyers representing Kwaido have since identified the matter as CRB No. 085 of 2026, before the Chief Magistrate`s Court of Buganda Road, at City Hall. The complaint is principally against Lubega Muzamilu and others who are said to remain at large.

According to the September 8th 2026 letter, addressed to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Lino Anguzu, the complainant’s lawyers say the court had already issued criminal process against persons implicated in the case, including a warrant of arrest. The lawyers, from Ms Kaganzi & Co. Advocates, say their client became concerned after learning that the police file had subsequently been recalled by the Kampala Regional Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The file, they say, remained at the Regional DPP’s office even though proceedings had already commenced before Buganda Road Court. It is this development that has become the second major controversy surrounding the gold case. Why was the file recalled? The lawyers seem to task Anguzu to explain the glaring anormally.

In their missive, the lawyers, signed for by Lady Counsel Akatukwasa Dianha, do not object to the prosecutorial authorities reviewing a criminal file. Their concern is what they describe as the manner and circumstances of the recall. They argue that a review should be “transparent, expeditious and consistent” with the constitutional mandate of the DPP.

The lawyers are particularly concerned that the recall occurred after the matter had already progressed before court and after criminal summons and a warrant of arrest had reportedly been issued against the Mufti Sheik Bukenya.

The question they want answered is straightforward: Why was the file recalled, where is it now, and what is delaying its return or further action? Those questions are important because recalling a file for prosecutorial review is not, in itself, proof of wrongdoing. Prosecutors may review files for a variety of legal and evidentiary reasons. The issue raised by the complainant is whether the process in this particular case has been handled consistently and without improper considerations.

The Deputy Mufti Bukenya Question

The most sensitive part of the complaint concerns Sheikh Hafidh Muhammad Harunah Bukenya. The lawyers say their client considers the 2nd Deputy Mufti, their principal person of interest in the circumstances surrounding the entire transaction. They question why some individuals have been brought into the criminal process while, in their view, the Sheikh has not been subjected to similar action.

Their argument is that if credible evidence points to involvement by any individual, that person should be investigated according to the same standards regardless of office, social standing or influence they hold before the public. Akatukwasa specifically ask the DPP to independently examine the Sheikh’s alleged role in the events surrounding the transaction.

Importantly, the complaint itself does not amount to a finding of guilt against Sheikh Bukenya. Neither does the existence of a criminal complaint establish that the allegations made against him are utterly true, since those matters would have to be established through investigation and, where appropriate, judicial proceedings.

Fear of Witness Interference

Akatukwasa has also raised concerns about potential interference with witnesses. They argue that continued delay could create an opportunity for persons connected to the case to influence, intimidate, induce or otherwise interfere with material witnesses. This stance, if the same hasn’t been succeeded already!

The lawyers further describe their fears as an apprehension arising from what they say are the circumstances of the case and the alleged access that influential persons may have to individuals who could provide evidence. They therefore want the prosecution authorities to consider measures to ensure that witnesses can participate in the investigation and court process without intimidation or coercion.

This is potentially significant in any criminal investigation involving several participants, particularly where the prosecution’s case depends substantially on statements from people who were present during meetings, negotiations, payment or delivery of the alleged counterfeit gold.

Is There Selective Treatment?

Perhaps the strongest allegation in the lawyers’ letter is the suggestion of differential treatment among people implicated in the matter. The complainant’s lawyers point to the fact that warrants of arrest were reportedly issued against some suspects while Sheikh Bukenya, whom they consider “a person of interest”, has not been subjected to what they regard as equivalent criminal process.

They describe this as an apparent disparity. They stop short of dictating to the DPP how prosecutorial discretion should be exercised. Instead, they request an independent review of the circumstances surrounding the file and the people implicated in the investigation. Their position is essentially that status should not determine who is investigated or prosecuted.

Allegations of External Influence

The lawyers go further by expressing concern that external considerations could be affecting the handling of the file at the Kampala Regional DPP’s Office. This is an allegation contained in their complaint and not an established finding by The Investigator. They say the circumstances surrounding the recall and continued retention of the police file have created an apprehension that factors other than the evidence may be influencing the process.

Akatukwasa consequently asked the Director of Public Prosecutions, Lino Anguzu, to personally examine the matter. The request places the case at the intersection of two competing considerations; the DPP’s authority to review and direct criminal prosecutions, and the complainant’s expectation that a criminal case already before court should proceed without unexplained or unnecessary delay. Watch this space…

The Katikkiro made the remarks during a courtesy visit by Centenary Bank’s former Managing Director, Fabian Kasi and his successor Godfrey Byekwaso at Bulange, Mengo, where Kasi formally introduced Byekwaso to the Katikkiro following the leadership transition at the bank.

“Centenary Bank is the largest indigenous bank in Uganda. It is our own local bank which makes us proud as Ugandans. As Buganda Kingdom, we are happy with the partnership we have with Centenary Bank to develop the people of Buganda and Uganda at large,” the Katikkiro said.

Mayiga commended Centenary Bank for providing financial services that respond to the needs of Ugandans, noting that this makes it possible for the Kingdom to recommend the bank to farmers, traders and other members of the community. “We tell our people to collaborate with Centenary so that they can develop themselves because when our people develop, the Kingdom also develops,” he said.

The Katikkiro noted that the relationship between the two institutions has delivered mutual benefits over the years but said there is an opportunity to make it bigger and more impactful. He pointed to the significant concentration of economic activity and financial inclusion opportunities in Buganda and the Central Region, including farmers, traders and businesses and urged Centenary Bank to leverage its ties with the Kingdom to deepen its presence and reach more people.

“I therefore urge you to expand this market through expanding your partnership with us and you will benefit from it. I am ready to ensure that this partnership is strengthened even further,” he said. Centenary Bank and Buganda Kingdom have worked together on several initiatives, including the Masaza Cup, CBS Pewosa, the Kaliisoliiso Dinner, among others. Several Buganda Kingdom institutions also maintain accounts with Centenary Bank.

Speaking at the visit, former Centenary Bank Managing Director Fabian Kasi thanked the Katikkiro for providing the bank with opportunities to work closely with the Kingdom.

“As Centenary Bank, we are proud of the partnership we have with Buganda Kingdom and that is because you, the Katikkiro, have been giving us that opportunity,” Kasi said. He noted that the collaboration with the Kingdom has contributed to the bank’s growth and expressed confidence that it would continue under the new leadership.

“As Centenary Bank, we partner with Buganda Kingdom on a lot of projects and those partnerships are one of the reasons we are where we are today as a bank. We hope these partnerships can continue even with the new Managing Director,” he said. The new Managing Director, Godfrey Byekwaso, thanked the Katikkiro for maintaining a strong relationship with Centenary Bank and appreciated the Kingdom for continuing to prioritise the bank.

Byekwaso pledged to build on the existing relationship and take it to greater levels under his leadership. “I pledge to you that the relationship between Centenary Bank and the Kingdom is going to continue and grow stronger. We request you to continue partnering with us and rallying the whole Kingdom to continue working with us,” he said.

Centenary Bank will continue to work with the Kingdom and its institutions to expand access to financial services and create opportunities for farmers, traders, entrepreneurs and communities across Buganda and Uganda.

The initiative comes amid concerns over the number of road crashes and injuries involving motorists and other road users in Uganda. According to the 2025 Uganda Police Annual Crime Report, the country recorded 26,044 road traffic crashes in 2025, up from 25,107 in 2024. The crashes resulted in 5,383 deaths, compared to 5,144 deaths recorded in 2024. That means an average of at least 15 people died daily from road accidents.

Through this campaign, the Rotary Club of Mapeera seeks to equip road users with practical knowledge and safety gear while encouraging greater responsibility on the roads. Speaking at the launch, Centenary Bank Executive Director Business, Michael Opira, said the initiative was born out of the need to respond to the loss of lives and injuries caused by road crashes.

“We found that there are many injuries and loss of lives happening due to road accidents and as a club, we decided to take up a road safety initiative. We believe this is an area where we need to support our communities,” Opira said. He added that Centenary Bank’s support for the initiative reflects its broader commitment to serving communities and addressing issues that affect people’s lives and livelihoods.

“As a bank, we decided to partner with Rotary because we share the same vision of serving the underserved. We first want to create awareness because when people are aware, they become interested and are able to learn more,” he said. The President of the Rotary Club of Mapeera, Maria Ochaloi said the campaign is ultimately about encouraging people to value and protect their lives.

“Protect your lives because life is wealth. You may not lose your life in an accident, but you can suffer a permanent injury that can change your life. Love your lives, protect them and let us make our roads safe for everyone to use,” she said.

The road safety campaign is a signature initiative of Rotary District 9213. District Governor, Dr. Gerald Obai, commended the Rotary Club of Mapeera for taking the message beyond its immediate membership and into the wider community.

He also recognised the club’s other community initiatives, including blood donation drives, extending safe clean water to communities, and the construction of a perimeter wall at a school for deaf learners that the club has pioneered in the past. The day also began with a blood donation drive that was hosted by the Club at the Constitutional Square that lasted until 5:00pm.

Over the years, Centenary Bank has collaborated with Rotary Uganda to make meaningful change in the communities they serve through initiatives such as medical camps, financial literacy programs, environmental programs, and the annual Rotary Cancer Run, where it has contributed over UGX 3 billion to support cancer treatment and prevention in Uganda.

In 2025, the bank extended this partnership further and fully embraced the Rotary International community when it officially launched its own club, the Rotary Club of Mapeera as a platform to formalize and grow staff’s commitment to social responsibility.