Among the high-profile witnesses lined up by the state are current military intelligence chief Maj. Gen. Richard Otto, former Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) boss Maj. Gen. Abel Kandiho, and detained senior military officer Maj. Gen. James Birungi.The inclusion of the three generals has immediately sparked controversy, with Besigye’s lawyers questioning why intelligence and military officers are central to a case the state claims is based on evidence of an alleged plot to overthrow the government.

Besigye lawyers weighs in

Veteran city lawyer and Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, who is part of Besigye’s defence team, described the prosecution’s latest move as a sign that the state intends to heavily rely on intelligence reports and security assessments.”The defence is entitled to sufficient time and facilities to examine every piece of evidence that the prosecution seeks to rely upon,” Lukwago reportedly argued before court.

He questioned the decision to provide hundreds of pages of statements and hours of recordings while at the same time demanding that the defence prepare within seven days.According to Lukwago, the constitutional right to a fair hearing includes adequate time to study evidence, consult clients and prepare an effective defence.”The prosecution cannot overwhelm the defence with volumes of material and then expect us to meaningfully respond within such a limited timeframe,” one member of the defence team reportedly observed after the proceedings.

Mixed reactions

The legal fireworks erupted after Justice Baguma directed the accused persons to review the disclosed material within one week and return to court for further proceedings.Besigye immediately instructed his lawyers to challenge the directive, insisting that the timeline is unrealistic given the complexity and gravity of the charges.

Several legal experts contacted by this publication expressed surprise at the choice of witnesses.Prominent constitutional lawyer Nicholas Opiyo said the appearance of senior intelligence chiefs suggests that the state’s case may be built around intelligence gathering and national security assessments.”When military intelligence officers become central witnesses, it means the prosecution intends to rely heavily on intelligence-led evidence. The challenge is always whether such evidence can withstand rigorous testing in open court,” Opiyo observed.

Another senior lawyer, Isaac Ssemakadde, noted that intelligence information often raises questions regarding admissibility, sourcing and verification.”Courts do not simply accept intelligence claims at face value. Witnesses must still satisfy evidentiary standards and be subjected to cross-examination,” said Ssemakadde who is also the president of Uganda Law Society.Legal analyst and human rights lawyer Ladislaus Rwakafuzi argued that the defence will likely focus on testing the credibility and consistency of testimony from intelligence officers.

“The burden of proof remains entirely on the prosecution. It is not enough to present senior officers. The evidence itself must prove the allegations beyond reasonable doubt,” he said.The prosecution alleges that between 2003 and November 2024, Besigye, Lutale and others still at large participated in activities intended to overthrow the Government of Uganda through force of arms.According to the charge sheet, the alleged meetings and activities took place in several international locations, including Geneva in Switzerland, Athens in Greece, Nairobi in Kenya and Kampala.

Chargesheet

Prosecutors contend that the accused persons were involved in meetings and activities linked to plans aimed at removing the government through unlawful means.In the alternative charge of misprision of treason, the state alleges that Besigye and Lutale had knowledge of treasonous plans by other individuals but failed to report the information to authorities. Both men have strongly denied the accusations.The People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), the political platform associated with Besigye, has accused the state of conducting a politically motivated prosecution.Party officials claim the government delayed disclosure of evidence for months before suddenly presenting a mountain of documents and recordings.”The mask of justice has completely fallen,” the party said in a strongly worded statement following the court session.

Political observers say the decision to call senior intelligence chiefs could transform the proceedings into a rare public examination of Uganda’s security establishment.Maj. Gen. Richard Otto currently heads military intelligence and is regarded as one of the country’s most influential security officers. His expected testimony is likely to attract intense public interest.Maj. Gen. Abel Kandiho previously led the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence and played a prominent role in national security operations during his tenure.Maj. Gen. James Birungi, another former senior intelligence figure, is also expected to feature prominently in the prosecution’s case despite currently facing his own legal troubles.

The mysterious British businessman on the witness list has further heightened public curiosity, with many wondering what role his testimony could play in the state’s attempt to establish an alleged international conspiracy.For now, lawyers on both sides are preparing for what promises to be a bruising legal contest.As constitutional challenges loom and some of Uganda’s most senior security figures prepare to enter the witness box, the Besigye trial is rapidly evolving into a courtroom showdown with major political, legal and national significance.Whether the testimony of the generals strengthens the prosecution’s case or provides fresh ammunition for the defence will become clearer when proceedings resume.What is certain, however, is that all eyes will be fixed on the courtroom as Uganda witnesses one of the most closely watched treason trials in its recent history.

 To many of her friends, aquaitances, colleagues, staff and relatives, it is no longer at ease. Our sources have offered that among the said lot above is the outgoing Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, Among`s husband Moses Magogo, two ministers and 24 (twenty four) Members of Parliament. Whereas the latter lot is expected to appear before Detectives at Kibuli tommorow (May 18th 2026), Among is supposedly expected on Tuesday.

The operation named `Maliza Ufisadi`(Swahili for “Finish Corruption), started with summons to Speaker Among, by Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Thursday. After the meeting composed of clergymen, Itesot King Emolimoli, former Speaker Rebecca Kadaga, and NRM Vice Chair Moses Kigongo among others, President Museveni condemned and placed Among under house arrest.

It is reported that the old man with a Hat also directed Among to stay put and restrain self from contacting any MPs. However, upon reaching her home in Nakasero, Among defied her Master and started making frantic calls to several MPs, directing them to keep their loyalty to her and not to attend her supposed replacement, Hon. Jacob Markson Oboth-Oboth`s thanks-giving service in Mukono.

At the function, Oboth-Oboth was expected to officially announce his bid for Speakership. However, by afternoon, the turn-up at the host`s residence was still wanting as several MPs were relactantly dragging their feet to show up. A quick check with intelligence gathered how Among and her helpers were behind the glitch at Mukono. Getting to the reason why this stance, the angry President directed Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba to swing into action.

“The security forces under the direction and instructions of the Commander-in-Chief launched Operation ‘Maliza Ufisadi’ the other day. We shall expand this operation and apprehend all culprits. No one will be spared,” Gen Muhoozi roared via his X account last night, hence partially confirming what we are relaying in these pages.

The Story

By mid-day on Saturday, intelligence had gathered that the MPs` loyalty to Among is connected to money. Known to be one of the biggest Money-Lenders around town, Anita Among is rumored to have advanced to over 200 MPs, soft loans of between 100M to 200M, depending on one`s need. When the big man asked how she expected to recover the monies, he was told how the Speaker targeted the UGX315M meant for the MPs vehicles, to recover the loaned dime.

The above revelation left the President with no option apart from expedite his plans to launch the operation, starting from the top. Indeed, on Friday, the Clerk to Parliament, Hon. Adolf Mwesigye is rumored to have been the first to record a statement. Starting with Adolf is a story by itself, but for another day. Yesterday, sources have it, more technical staff were supposedly interrogated. These reportedly include Chris Obore, and Richard Kunobwa the Head Finance.

The above include cops who were hithert deployed at Parliament but were reportedly lured by Among into early resignation before she supposedly assigned them to private business with her person. Notably among the 24 MP is the four commissioner including Mathias Mpuuga, Ministers Peter Ogwang and Henry Musaasizi, Hon. Kateshumbwa, Prossy Mbabazi, Afwoyo Chan, Didan Muwanguzi, and Najjuma Sarah.

The Auditor General Conduits

Intelligence has it that Among was also using the Office of The Auditor General to her personal benefit. Known to be good in tapping into ministries and government agencies, Among reportedly head-hunded the current Auditor General Edward Akol, from within Parliament corridors. This stance, away from him being from her home of Bukedea. Appointed and sworn in in July 2024, succeeding John F. S. Muwanga, Edward Akol is reported to have been working for both Government and the person of Among. To help him experdite his duties, two of his Directors Martin Bamulumbye and Joseph Hirya are supposedly handy.

Who is Martin Bamulumbye

A resident of Bunga, a holder of a Bachelors of Commerce degree in Accounting from Makerere University and a Certified Public Accountant of over 17 years with membership of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda, Bamulumbye also holds a Masters of Business Administration.

He Joined the Office of the Auditor General in 1994 as an Auditor and rose through the ranks to the current position of Director Central Government 1, the same government that audits the office of the President, office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Agriculture, Office of the Director of Public prosecutions, Ministry of Defence, Uganda Police, State House and all classified expenditures.

Bamulumbye has audited the above named institutions for the last 20 years as the Director. He has has been, reportedly successful in overriding staff rules that require rotation of staff every three years because of the power he wields in the office of the Auditor General. “He [reportedly] dictates what happens in the office that should be the custodian of public trust,” offers the source.

Word has it that because he had always had the Speakers ear, he would hol the Bukedea-born Auditor General Akol by the waist. This is commonly known as “okukwaata jeeke” in Luganda. Like in the case of Ex Speaker Among, Bamulumbye is said to weild super powers before Uganda Police, Public Prosecutions, the Judiciary and Uganda prisons. This stance, because he has closely worked with them for the last twenty plus years, and is allegedlly on their monthly retainer.

Of Joseph Hirya

Joseph Hirya is a prominent audit professional, serving as the Director of Audit (Central Government II) at the Office of the Auditor General. He frequently represents the Auditor General in official government, petroleum sector, and international audit engagements. Hirya is as well responsible for directing major government audits, representing the Auditor General in national policy matters, and overseeing institutional capacity-building initiatives. How are the above connected to the on-goings? … Watch the Space…

Even with the bulging number of examples of the hitherto powerfuls who were humiliated before being dumped, Among couldn’t stop for a minute, just to imagine or suggest herself in their position. Names like Samson Babi Mululu Kisekka, Amama Mbabazi, Baalibaseka Bukenya, Gen. Kale Kayihura or at worst, Nobel Mayombo and or, Gen Nyakayirima, at no time made any sense to Among!

An old Luganda adage goes thus; Olunatta Wambwa lumuziba ennyindo. This loosely mean that a desease targetting to kill a Dog attacks its nose first. That way, the poor dog can easily eat anything poisonous since it lost the sense of smell. To the knowledgeable, Speaker Among had long lost her sense of smell. She did all it takes to drag her close to any tribe of danger and, kaboom. The Rolls Royce triggered everything back, sending her into house arrest in just a brink.

Sadly, as she goes off the stage, her hitherto vibrant helpers, acquitances, potential accomplices, and or, condiuts within Parliament, Government agencies and ministries remain not at ease. While the public continues to decry the theft of taxpayers` money in the August House, the real focus is now directed to the Auditor General`s Office, the Clerk to Parliament Adolf Kasaija Mwesigye and Head of Finance at Parliament, Patrick Kunobwa among others.

Whereas the others are obvious, starters will wonder how the Auditor General relates with Parliament affairs. And here, we shall give prominence to AG`s connection, in this first of the `No Longer at Ease` series in these pages. For starters, the Auditor General`s Office was established under Article 163 of the Constitution and is the supreme audit authority.

The Auditor General`s primary role is to audit and report to Parliament, on the public accounts of Uganda, ensuring transparency, fiscal discipline, and value for money in the management of public funds. Under Rt. Hon. Anita Among`s reign, the AG has been supposedly reduced to be working for the Speaker`s person and not the public as required.

Who is Who at The AG`s Office

With so much reported graft within the August House itself, one would wonder who is in charge of audit at Parliament! There are many more institutions that such graft is happening in an unchecked manner. And were told that these are audited by two directors at the AG`s Office, who have wielded so much power to the extent that they supposedly have overpowered the Auditor General himself, Edward Akol, making him a ceremonial official!

The above mentioned sectors include among others, Water, Education, Security, Agricultural, JLOS and Public Administration sector. These are under the two powerful directors Martin Bamulumbye and Joseph Hirya. Inernal information reaching our desk has it that one of them, Bamulumbye, is under the CDF`s team watch over corruption.

Strong allegations have it that Bamulumbye covers up payment for services in those sectors, costing tens of billions that are never delivered. “He has made the heads of these institutions as `strategic allies`”. Our source offered. On the other hand, his colleague, Hirya is supposedly no different. “They run the office of the auditor general like a cartel where they are in charge of institutions that have the biggest budgets in the country,” says the authoritative source.

The same is witnessed in the audits at the ministry of Water and Environment, Office of the Prime Minister, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Agriculture and at the National Planning Authority. Whereas the Bukedea born AG Edward Akol was reportedly head-picked and recommended by the outgoing Speaker Anita Among, his two Directors are reported to have been closely working with the Speaker.

As investigatigations in Anita Among`s illicit wealth case takes form, the three officers at the AGs office are reportedly targetted along with other officials at the Parliament. The latter include the Clerk to Parliament Adolf Kasaija Mwesigye, the Head of Finance Patrick Kunobwa and the already arrested Chris Obore among others. Sources have it that Amongs raid was sparked by her attempts last night, to block MPs from attending the incoming Speaker, Jacob Oboth-Oboth`s thanksgiving in Mukono.

In the above efforts, she was being helped by the already netted Chris Obore and Justin Nameere. Before taking this edition to bed, Police and SFC had already raided the already House Arrested Speaker`s home in Nakasero. Whereas Police`s Crime Investigations Directorate (CID) detectives initially took the shot at the home search, SFC took over the command to recover hard cash, files and her travel documents. By the time we uploaded this article, plans were underway to have some of the posh cars towed to the police.  Watch this space…

From a rebuttal addressed to the Investigator and delivered by the Commission spokesman Alex Bukumunhe, to a public press release, to a complaint at Crime Investigations Directorate (CID) boss Maj. Tom Magambo, to threatening a law suit against the Investigator CEO Stanley Ndawula, to cancelling contracts of some of the Commission senior staff she suspects to deal with the media, Wangadya has walked and trotted the trail!

“Let me state that I am an advocate of Courts of Judicature, a seasoned public officer having served as a member of the Commission [UHRC] for 17 years, Deputy Inspector General of Government for 8 years and Chairperson [of UHRC] for more than 4 years.” She wrote in the 16page response to our reports that, when read between lines, could have depicted her as someone without a single grain of intergrity.

She adds; “In all this time, my proffessionalism and intergrity have been a hallmark of my career to the extent, at great personal risk, I was a whitsle blower against high level syndicated corruption.” She further lamented about the allegations levelled against her via these pages, the same, when read clearly, can be used against her as she nearly pleaded guilty to all the allegations, yet in her own and self-authored rebuttal. The full dossier will be reproduced here in the coming days.

Upon realising we were not moved by her rather wanting response, Madam Wangadya trotted to her lawyers of Signature Advocates. Here, she instructed them advocates to pen Yours Truly, Stanley Ndawula, a lengthy notice of Intention to Sue, “regarding the defamatory publications against Ms Mariam Wangadya.”

Delivered to our Lawyers of Muwema and Co. Advocates on Wednesday last week, the intention reads in part; “Our attention has been drawn to a recent post on your X handle to wit Stanley The Investigator dated 7th /03/2026 and an article you authored and published online dated 8th /03/2026, wherein you make grave, unfounded, and unsubstantiated allegations against our Client,” they wrote before lining down the said allegations in detail.

About Lady Mariam Wangadya

Are we scared by the lawyers and their client`s threats? Oh yes, we are very scared! For, who wouldn’t be scared by a giant, eye-rolling lady judge, who once hurled a flask full of hot tea at her co-widow, Ziada Wangadya, just over a trivial issue! Well, lying deep into the internet achieves, is a story with even stronger allegations, depicting her as a woman with little or no intergrity in her.

Based on historical records from 1999, “Mariam Wangadya, who now serves as the Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), was accused of assault by her co-wife, Ziada Wangadya,” recalls the internet, adding; “In July 1999, Mariam Wangadya (then 33 years old) was charged with assaulting Ziada Wangadya and causing bodily harm, along with a charge of threatening violence.”

Then in the New Vision at the time, they reported. “The Police have preferred charges of assault causing actual bodily harm against Uganda Human Rights Commissioner (UHRC) Marriam Wangadya. Mariam, 33, allegedly beat her co-wife Ziada Wangadya, last Thursday at the UHRC offices on Buganda Road. Kampala Central Police CID officer Hillary Odoch also preferred another charge against Mariam, of threatening violence.”

The alleged assault reportedly occurred at the Uganda Human Rights Commission offices along Buganda Road. The altercation stemmed from a dispute over the distribution of property following the death of their husband, Muzamir Wangadya, who had died in 1998. Wangadya was charged with assault and threatening violence against her co-wife.

Appearing before Buganda Road Chief Magistrate, Andrew Bashaija, she denied the charges, stating they were brought in “bad faith”. According to the allegations and court proceedings at the time, Mariam Wangadya was accused of physically attacking Ziada on two separate occasions. On July 13th 1999, she allegedly attempted to hit Ziada with a flask full of tea but was restrained by some staff. On July 15th 1999, she again, reportedly beat Ziada, resulting in bodily injuries, including an eye injury and bruises.

The dispute suposedly stemmed from a disagreement over the distribution of their late husband’s estate. Both women, Ziada and Mariam were among the four widows of the late Muzamir Wangadya. Upon denying the charges, Wangadya was granted a bond of UGX1M.  million Ugandan Shillings. Now you know why we, at The Investigator, are greatly scared!

The Friuts So Far Garnered 

In our earlier reports scooped out of the whistle blowers` dossier from within the UHRC corridors, are allegations surrounding the procurement of two generators worth approximately UGX160 million. When the generators were delivered to UHRC headquarters, technical staff reportedly had no idea who had ordered them or where they were destined.

Sources say, many refused to associate themselves with the procurement once rumours began circulating that the generators were intended for the private homes of the Chairperson, Mariam Wangadya, and Commissioner Crispin Kaheru. The mystery was later clarified through a memo written by Commission Planner, Mukasa Charles.

In the clarification document, the generators were reportedly allocated to the two officials’ residences, while Mr. Omitta Sulaiman, the Commission’s Systems Manager, was listed as the “user department!” But insiders say Omitta never budgeted for the generators and was unaware of the arrangement!

According to inside sources privy with the matter, Planner Charles Mukasa is alleged to have quietly inserted the generators into the Commission’s budget, before later attempting to distance himself from the transaction. Upon our consistent reports, Commissioner Kaheru, through his Assistant, on Sunday night returned the generator and handed it over to the night shift guard, Corporal Daniel Akandwanaho.

Whereas Lady Chair Wangadya is defiant and would love to fight back instead of repenting, her `co-accused` is doing to the contrary. Before the generator`s return, Kaheru had also, on the night of March 15<sup>th</sup> 2026, returned one of the long `missing` vehicles back to the Commission parking yard. The vehicle, we had earlier reported, was among the four Toyota Land Cruisers (Hard Body) left behind by the United Nations Commission of Human Rights.

The explosive document, already filed with the Inspectorate of Government, the Criminal Investigations Directorate, and the office of the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among, paints a troubling portrait of an institution accused of diverting public funds toward personal comfort, while its core mandate struggles for resources.

This mighty website has obtained details of the second part of the dossier, which accuses senior officials at the Commission, of questionable budgeting, controversial procurements and creating a workplace climate described by staff as a “fear and psychological torture” ground. Contacted earlier, the Commission`s mouthpiece Alex Bukumunhe confirmed knowledge of the missive under review, but refrained self from commenting in detail.

Luxury Vehicles as Core Work Starves

One of the most contentious allegations revolves around the purchase of new high-end vehicles for the selected Commission leadership of the Chairperson, Lady Justice Mariam Wangadya and Commissioner Crispin Kaheru. According to the dossier, the duo budgeted for brand-new vehicles despite already possessing relatively new official cars.

Insiders say the process supposedly began with private consultations with vehicle suppliers to determine market prices prior, after which, the exact figures they influenced and inserted into the Commission’s budget. Once the money was secured, the dossier claims, internal procurement documentation was allegedly aligned to match the predetermined plan.

Sources deep inside the hitherto trusted and respected Commission, and whose chairperson recently exposed to the President, the supposed corrupt politicians who reportedly asked for a bribe in order to pass the Commission`s supplementary budget, say the transport officer, a one Ochitiga Ratibis, is fully aware of how the suspicious and fraudulent process unfolded.

What has particularly angered staff, is the timeline. The Chairperson’s current vehicle was reportedly purchased around July 2023, yet by 2025 a replacement was already being demanded! To many officers within the Commission, the expenditure symbolized misplaced priorities. “Those funds could have enabled inspection of detention centres or civic education programs ahead of elections,” one staff member we contacted after the first story, said, adding; “Instead, they were used on vehicles that were not necessary.”

The UGX 160M Generators for Private Residences

More shocking are allegations surrounding the procurement of two generators worth approximately UGX160 million. When the generators were delivered to UHRC headquarters, technical staff reportedly had no idea who had ordered them or where they were destined. Confusion quickly spread through the office corridors.

Staff say, many refused to associate themselves with the procurement once rumours began circulating that the generators were intended for the private homes of the Chairperson, Madam Mariam Wangadya and Commissioner Crispin Kaheru. The mystery was later clarified through a memo written by Commission Planner, Mukasa Charles.

In the clarification document, the generators were reportedly allocated to the two officials’ residences, while Mr. Omitta Sulaiman, the Commission’s Systems Manager, was listed as the “user department!” But insiders say Omitta never budgeted for the generators and was unaware of the arrangement! According to inside sources privy with the matter, Planner Charles Mukasa is alleged to have quietly inserted the generators into the Commission’s budget, before later attempting to distance himself from the transaction. The dossier now calls for investigators to obtain the memo he sent to the Asset Management Committee and determine in what capacity he authorized the allocation.

Of The Suspicious Foreign Trips

The dossier further claims that foreign travel has become one of the most lucrative activities within the Commission’s leadership circles. Recent trips allegedly taken by senior officials include visits to the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia and Nairobi. Sources claim these trips appear to function less, as official assignments and more as opportunities for travel allowances and per diem payments.

According to insiders, the Wangadya`s leadership of two reportedly removed the responsibility for purchasing air tickets from the procurement unit and took control of the process themselves. It is said that the head of procurement, a one Clare, is under immense stress and may possess critical information about the travel arrangements.

Particularly controversial is the claim that business class tickets have allegedly been purchased for Ms. Pauline Nansamba, despite her not being entitled to that level of travel. Even more puzzling, staff say, some activity reports submitted after these trips are not supported by boarding passes. “What happens sometimes is unbelievable,” said one of the sources adding; “They first allocate money for travel in the budget, then they start looking for conferences or meetings to justify it.”

Inside the Culture of Fear

Beyond financial questions, the dossier paints a disturbing picture of internal management practices. Several staff members from the Directorate of Complaints, Investigations and Legal Services reportedly describe a work environment characterized by harassment, intimidation and bullying.

According to internal accounts, at least five staff members have resigned in recent months, citing psychological pressure and what they describe as cruel and degrading treatment. Many of those who remain, insiders say, stay only because they lack alternative employment opportunities. Unluckily, these complaints come from within the very institution mandated to protect citizens from abuses of power.

The Dramatic Rise of a Trusted Insider

Another focal point of the dossier is the rapid ascent of Ms. Pauline Nansamba Mutumba. Sources say she joined the Commission in September 2021 as a Personal Assistant to the Chairperson, Lady Mariam Wangadya. Within a few years, she had reportedly risen to become the Director of Complaints, Investigations and Legal Services and, the Caretaker Director of Monitoring and Inspections!

Critics inside the Commission say the promotions came at the expense of experienced officers who had served the institution for years. Her influence reportedly extends across several powerful committees. She currently serves as Chairperson of the Contracts Committee, and, Head of the Fleet Oversight Committee.

Staff allege the appointments were made directly under the instruction of the Chairperson, raising concerns that she may be unable to challenge questionable procurement decisions. Meanwhile, insiders say she also receives UGX3 million per month, in additional allowances for “supporting the Secretary,” duties critics argue, fall squarely within her existing role.

Pressure For Investigations Mount

With the dossier now reportedly in the hands of the Inspectorate of Government and the Parliament of Uganda, pressure is mounting for a full investigation into the operations of the Uganda Human Rights Commission. If proven positive, the allegations could amount to abuse of office, procurement irregularities and financial mismanagement.

For many observers coming on board after our breaking story last week, the scandal strikes at the heart of a troubling irony. The institution established to defend citizens from abuse of power is now itself facing accusations of misusing public resources and intimidating its own staff. As investigators begin examining the dossier, one question looms large; Can the country’s top human rights watchdog survive the growing storm within its own walls? Watch this space…

In the same vein, Her Worship Marriam Wangadya, the current Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission, was whispered to have been the best candidate for the post of the Deputy Chief Justice. She even became most suitable when she exposed to the president, the politicians who had allegedly approached her with a proposal of having her budget supplementary passed as is, only if she would cough some billions in return.

However, we have landed on a missive, suggesting possibilities as to why the towering lady judge was eventually, not considered for either of the two above positions. From deep into her office corners, a dossier snakes out, accusing her of gross maladministration, corruption and abuse of office. If they test positive, the allegations leave no room for Wangadya at any top government office.

The Preamble

For starters, the Uganda Human Rights Commission was established in November 1996 to protect and promote human rights in Uganda. According to Article 51 of the Constitution, the UHRC is legally comprised of a chairperson and at least three other persons appointed by the President, with the approval of Parliament.

The Constitution envisages the Chairperson and Members of the Commission to be persons of high moral character and proven integrity. However, going by the missive under review, the behavior and conduct by the current Chair, Mariam Wangadya, falls short of the said constitutional requirement.

The current situation at the UHRC is suggested as being characterized by gross maladministration, corruption, abuse of office, impunity, arrogance, intimidation and bullying! All the above, reveals the dossier, is being orchestrated by none other than the Chairperson herself, Ms. Wangadya.

“Staff are living in a state of fear and helplessness since the constitution of the Republic of Uganda gives the Commission powers to appoint staff under Article 57. Even some Members of the Commission have not been spared by her conduct. She runs the Commission like a private outfit and therefore, not subjected to any internal controls and she is not held accountable for anything,” reads the twelve-page missive sourced from deep into the Commission`s corridors.

The authors of the carefully penned complaint suggests that the situation is getting out of hand and requires urgent intervention by the relevant authorities, as well as the appointing authority. Indeed, we have confirmed receipt of the same, by the Inspector General of Government (IGG) office, the Speaker of Parliament and CID. When contacted, the known UHRC mouthpiece Alex Bukumunhe confirmed knowledge of the dossier but requested for a “few days” to allow him prepare for a rebuttal. However, he did not pick our calls anymore, when the “few days” elapsed.

The Dossier in Part I

Corruption/abuse of office: For starters, Wangadya joined the Commission in September 2021 when she was 56 years old. Therefore, she was ineligible to contribute to NSSF. However, she supposedly forced the Human Resource Manager and the Secretary to the Commission to continue making a 10% Government NSSF contribution for her until March 2025, when she heeled to the pressure from the Ministry of Public Service. Hence, for a period of over three years, she earned that money illegally while knowing what she was doing was illegal.

Her accusers further allege that starting with Financial Year 2024/2025, 2025/2026 and the current budgeting process for 2026/2027 financial year which started with the preparation of the budget framework paper, Wangadya is alleged to have taken over the budgeting process. “The Management Committee, the Finance Committee and the Commission have all been sidelined! The real budgeting is done by her, Commissioner [Crispin Kugiza] Kaheru and Director Pauline Nansamba,” reads the dossier.

“Because she followed up with the Attorney General and the Ministry of Finance for increased funding through a supplementary budget in, she declared that the additional funding to the Commission of UGX10.4bn was and remains her personal money! It is that money she wants spent on her as much as possible without any form of internal controls, no accountability and she should get it for anything she wants.”

The authors further digs deep thus; “For instance, out of the UGX10.4bn, UGX2bn was set aside for salary enhancement as a block for Chairperson, Members and Staff. Instead of following a proper methodology to seek approvals from Cabinet and Parliament, the Chairperson unilaterally determined her salary and that of Commissioners. She simply informed Members of the Commission what they would earn without informing them of hers in a meeting of December 18^th 2024. The difference between her salary and Members is UGX20 million!”

It should be noted that Wangadya supposedly usurped powers of Parliament to determine her own salary and that of Members. She did not care about staff whose long pay target was determined by Cabinet and being the lowly paid. In the last two financial years and the next coming financial year, a new budget line, which had never existed in the history of the Commission for the Office of the Chairperson is said to have been introduced under supposed duress!

Ideally, the Office of the Chairperson coordinates all functions of the Commission and therefore it is the technical directorates and or departments that budget for execution of the mandate of the Commission. “But what is happening now, the Office of the Chairperson is allocated a budget even bigger than some departments! It is through this arrangement that she gets money to `hold` stakeholder engagements which never take place!” Instead, writes the complainants, the money is channeled through her Personal Assistants private bank accounts! “At first, it was through Ms. Pauline Nansamba and now, Ms. Doreen Mukunyu Nabatte. In fact, these two ladies personal accounts should be investigated to explain why they receive that money and how they spend it.”

The dossier, which will run in three articles in these pages, cites Commissioner Crispin Kugiza Kaheru as Wangadya`s blue-eyed boy and with whom, she commits most of the alleged misappropriation of funds and other malpractices. “Again, in the current financial year, instead of beefing up funding for the core mandate of the Commission, the Chairperson and Commissioner Kaheru budgeted for the latest models of vehicles for themselves and generators for their private residences.” Watch this space

Already facing charges of operating a TV without a valid license from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), and now under the blaring reality of sustained surfacing of legal cases mounting over the person of incarcerated Dean Saava Lubowa, the Chief of Strategies of the now frozen TV 10 Gano Mazima from several  persons, he is left with no option, save for exposing those that fed him with the contested information that has led to his impasse and literally fed him to the ‘dogs’.

Boxed into a corner of despair, save for the argument of the regulator and the statements made against some of the persons that head it, the rest of the cases that Dean faces can journalistically be traced to his sources and informers. It initially begun as a formal due process on 2nd October 2025 at Standard Utilities and Wildlife Court in Makindye via three criminal charges related to illegal broadcasting and defamation.

The court is presided over by Her Worship Gladys Kamasanyu. It originally zeroed on operating an online television station without a license, defied regulatory directives, and allegedly used his platform to insult and defame prominent Ugandans. It has since culminated into a manna of cases with the latest under another magistrate being on claims that Lubowa Dean Saava, between the month of July 2025 and August 2025, in the areas of Kampala City or thereabout, using a computer via TikTok account named `TV 10 Gano Mazima` sent or transmitted information about, or relating to Kakooza Savio Ntesibe, the Director Ombudsman Affairs at the Inspectorate of Government.

The charges before court suggests that Lubowa alleged that Kakooza received a bribe of UGX200M on behalf of Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe, the Deputy Inspector General of Government, in order for her not to close a road construction project, whereas not. This is contrary to section 28 (1) and (2) of the computer misuse Act, Cap 96, culminating into malicious information.

This same file includes other eight offenses that are too, derived or are related to the earlier mentioned, plus hate speech and thus, he was remanded to prison until 23rd December 2025. This is against the backdrop derived by axel of professionalism that dictates he protects his sources.

In the glaring looming of unsolicited fate characterized by the aforementioned peddlers of the now trouble-causing files, he is left with no choice but to play against the rules to regain his freedom. Gifted with a motor-mouthed sensational style of presentation, one would be ‘bufooned’ to believe that Dean, superficially cultivated that information by himself without being fed by others in the same circles as his accusers. These are the same people that must come out and avail Dean’s lawyers with crucial and detailed information that would trade his freedom, lest he exposes them. Watch this space

The emerging profitable and job creating social media industry in Uganda is under threat from several fronts. These include, but not limited to; the traditional media gurus, regulatory bodies and security, especially police being used as a bait for settling inner players` mini squabbles.

Whereas the official regulatory body, Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) might have all the good intensions of trying to streamline the fast-growing new media space, others like the police cyber-crime department desks at various police stations, are being used by many to settle personal scores.

This has nothing to do with players like Dean Saava Lubowa of TV 10 Gano Mazima, but rather a chicken ego fight between Tamale Mirundi Jr and Shalom Kaweesa of Shalom 256, a YouTube channel. For starters, it is public knowledge that the once best of friends turned foes, have had a long history of orchestrating hallucinated bickering in order to secure a following using crude localized guerrilla marketing strategies.

Initially ignored as pranks by many in the industry and the thousands that follow them, this trend has since taken an ugly twist with the emergency of the Cyber Harassment Desks, most especially, allegedly, that of Katwe Police Station.

The sacred torn but ‘prestigious’ white paper is embroiled with Ref; Katwe Police SD; Ref :70.04.12.2025. Cyber Harassment, Hate Speech and M-Information are the supposed charges.  The suspect, Kaweesa Shalom, the young and ‘powerful’ lad, ran a Shalom finding maze, which zeroed on a location on Kulambiro ring road.

Gone are the sane legal days in which a suspect is summoned to any relevant authority to make a statement in regard to any issue at hand. It’s now official that people like Tamale Junior, have taken over the role of CID, IO’s, commanders and now, use self-styled clout of ‘money’ and throwing around names to hoodwink officers into pursuing suspects under an illegal command.

Cry for the overseers of these once cleaned up agencies that even president Museveni said had been penetrated by ‘Kawukuumi’ aka bean weevil! Sad as it is, reality is that some unscrupulous ‘celebrities’, ‘socialites’ have turned running with security personnel as their bag ‘boys’ and ‘girls’.

Do you remember Brian White’s SFC fellows, Sipapa’s camouflaged party, the Gashumba’s detail or that of today’s lost pastors complete with lead cars? These are the same fellows who now are bogged on using both the security agencies and police to conduct illicit businesses and also settle scores. It’s high time that the IGP and Command 1 reigned on these errant officers while others like the Police Standards Unit (PSU) must act on the same like yesterday.

The late Prince Kijjangoma and his elder sister, Princes Elizabeth Bagaya had reportedly filed a case in a Fort Portal Court, centered on mismanagement of the kingdom’s properties and reportedly cited Katuramu as one of the defendants. It was also alleged that Princess Bagaya and Prince Kijjangoma had spearheaded a move intended to  remove Katuramu from the post of Omuhikirwa (Prime Minister) of Tooro Kingdom. And that, was the bad blood that prompted Katuramu to hire the hitmen who eliminated the late Prince Kijjangoma.

In one of the shocking incriminating pieces of evidence tabled by the prosecution, it was alleged that planning meetings related to the murder were held in Katuramu’s residence in Muyenga, and that after the murder, the hitmen went and hid at his Rwenkuba Farm, where he reportedly roasted a bull for them in appreciation of their unlawful services.

Upon his arrest, Katuramu, a wealthy man, hired a team of defense lawyers that comprised of some of the most expensive and sharpest criminal lawyers in town, who included a former Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Macdusman Kabega. Kabega is currently representing Molly Katanga, a businesswoman undergoing a high-profile trial centered on the murder of her husband, the late Henry Katanga.

One of the hitmen suspects, Bob Swart, hired a soft-spoken and extremely humble lawyer, Edward Ddaamulira Muguluma, whom very few people gave a chance to successfully defend his client. Muguluma was a very tough defence criminal lawyer in the league of the  late Henry Kayondo, even as he was a shy old man whose demeanor was just a facade that concealed his razor-sharp intelligence.

For a long time, Muguluma, who studied in Namilyango College, studied as a Barrister in London and obtained a masters degree from Belgium, was the Principal Lawyer for the Democratic Party (DP) even though majority of Ugandans never got to know about it since he was not a proud man but preferred operating  silently.

Muguluma was an Attorney General in Botswana before President Yoweri Museveni personally invited him back to Uganda to conduct his law practice from his motherland. Returning to the murder case of Katuramu, his expensive lawyers did everything humanely and legally possible to convince the courts, all the way to the Supreme Court. But despite their frantic efforts, they failed to rescue their client as his fate was finally sealed by the Supreme Court.

Treated by many as a weak criminal defence lawyer, Muguluma shocked Katuramu, his expensive team of lawyers and everyone else when he expertly cross examined the prosecution witnesses, filed water tight submissions and ultimately saved his client Bob Swart from the gallows. After securing an acquittal, Muguluma got his client aside and advised him to leave for Dubai, because the police was certainly going to kill him.

Bob Swart did as counseled but clandestinely came back to the country to check on his girlfriend. Here, the police got to know of his presence. One day, the police arrested Bob Swart’s girlfriend and used her to trick his boyfriend that she had a big problem and urgently wanted to meet him. Bob Swart, who loved expensive and fast motorbikes, jumped on his motorcycle and sped off to somewhere in Nakulabye to meet her girlfriend whom, he believed that actually had a pressing problem. Where he expected to meet his girlfriend, Bob Swart was instead met by a hail of bullets that tragically cut him down.

Ironically, Bob Swart did not live long enough to treat his dependable lawyer during the time of his illness, nor was able to burry him when he finally died. President Museveni subsequently pardoned Katuramu after reconciling with the relatives of the late Prince Kijjangoma and he has since laid low like an envelope.

]]> https://theinvestigatornews.com/2025/11/breaking-be-very-worried-drake-twebaze-the-notorious-scammer-and-chief-govt-impersonator-is-back-in-town-leaving-gold-investor-in-tears-upon-his-wake/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=breaking-be-very-worried-drake-twebaze-the-notorious-scammer-and-chief-govt-impersonator-is-back-in-town-leaving-gold-investor-in-tears-upon-his-wake Wed, 26 Nov 2025 17:30:03 +0000 https://theinvestigatornews.com/?p=7929 In the early 2000, a notorious scammer, Drake Twebaze rocked Kampala and it’s environs like an earthquake. In one of his alleged scams, Twebaze, who at the time slept in his personal bungalow located in Zzana along Kampala-Entebbe Highway, posed as a government Permanent Secretary, whereas not.

Under the cover of the said false identity, the deceptive Twebaze drafted a phony tender bid attributed to a government ministry, seeking for the purchase of motor vehicle tyres on behalf of that ministry. Done with the drafting of the fake tender bid documents, Twebaze dispatched the same to his victims who, unfortunately, surrendered the motor vehicle tyres under the mistaken belief that they were dealing with a genuine government Permanent Secretary, whereas not.

Fortunately enough, the Uganda Police laid a dragnet, harvested, charged and arraigned Twebaze before court, over charges of impersonation, forgery and obtaining money by false pretenses. During the subsequent trial conducted by Buganda Road Chief Magistrate then, Betty Munaaba, the suspect stunned court when he expertly cross-examined prosecution witnesses, just like a seasoned defence lawyer.

Be that as it may, Munaaba ultimately convicted Twebaze after she memorably remarked that though he acted cleverly, he committed the charges which the State slapped against him. Now, following a considerable period of time which he had spent lying as low as an envelope, after being arrested several times in the past, Twebaze recently stepped out of his underworld and resumed his fraudulent activities from where he had previously stopped.

His latest victim was an investor whom he allegedly defrauded of USD146,000 woth, based on an impure gold transaction misrepresented as a pure one. Fortunately, the security agencies, led by the State House Anti-corruption Unit (SHACU) headed by Maj. Gen Henry Isoke, swung into action and rounded up Twebaze and his accomplices.

Right now, the suspects are in the safe hands of the prison services after a magistrate in town rejected to admit them to bail and instead remanded them for a fortnight. The latest criminal charges is a warning that Twebaze’s criminal cartel is still alive and kicking, and just waiting for an opportunist time to conduct more fraudulent activities.

The latest round of charges serve as a wake-up call to the members of public to be on the look out going forward, short of which Twebaze’s cartel will potentially catch them unaware. From his earlier criminal exploits and court experiences, Twebaze likely learnt lessons and now returns as a more sophisticated scammer than he was in the past, to once more conduct his fraudulent activities.

His return calls for extra vigilance from the relevant government security agencies to curb his potential criminal activities. Finally, the security agencies will need going forward to get to the bottom of Twebaze’s cartel once and for all to save his potential innocent victims  psychological torture triggered by loss of their hard-earned funds.