The State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU) is currently investigating a case involving alleged fraud by a group of Ugandan individuals who purportedly swindled a Turkish company out of fertiliser valued at two billion Ugandan shillings.
On April 9, 2024, SHACU, in collaboration with officers from the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), managed to recover some of the fertilisers in the vicinity of Container Village, located in the outskirts of Kampala.
According to police inquiries, the accused, led by Ronnie Mukasa, operated through a company named Kureha Uganda Ltd. They reportedly deceived the Turkish company over a span of five months, from May to September 2023, resulting in the dispatch of 28 containers of fertilisers to Uganda. Each container contained 540 bags of fertiliser.
Upon delivery of the goods, communication with the alleged fraudsters ceased, and the fertilisers were subsequently placed on the market for sale.
A statement from SHACU revealed, “SHACU, together with CID, is investigating a case involving a Turkish company, Iskenderun Fertilisers, which was defrauded of over sh2.2b in fertiliser supply.”
SHACU officials, in collaboration with the leaders of Container Village, have urged traders to return the stolen goods and cooperate with the ongoing investigations.
“Our primary objective is to seize any remaining fraudulent fertilisers and apprehend those engaged in this illicit trade,” stated SHACU officials.
These investigations stem from a complaint filed by the Turkish company with SHACU, alleging the fraudulent acquisition of 28 containers of fertilisers valued at $540,000 (approximately sh2 billion).
Established on December 10, 2018, the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU) serves as a pivotal entity in Uganda’s fight against corruption. Its primary mission revolves around coordinating citizens’ corruption complaints to the presidency, alongside constitutionally mandated agencies, aiming for swift resolutions to these grievances.
According to data sourced from SHACU’s website, the unit has conducted approximately 450 operations since its inception. These operations have yielded substantial results, leading to savings and recoveries totaling 51.5 billion Ugandan shillings.
Moreover, SHACU’s efforts have resulted in the arrest and charging of 472 individuals implicated in corrupt activities. The unit’s commitment to upholding the law and fostering accountability is evident through its actions, which have translated into tangible outcomes.
Notably, SHACU’s endeavors extend beyond mere apprehensions. The unit has played a crucial role in ensuring that justice prevails by securing convictions against corrupt individuals. As per SHACU’s records, 75 individuals have been convicted as a result of the unit’s investigations and interventions.
