KAMPALA, Uganda – Uganda’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Nelson Ocheger, was formally recalled in April 2025 amidst a joint investigation by the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU) into severe financial irregularities at the Abuja mission.
The probe, spanning from mid-2022 to early 2024, uncovered suspected embezzlement, money laundering, abuse of office, and corruption involving key diplomatic personnel.
The investigation was initiated following a damning audit by the Auditor-General, which flagged serious concerns regarding the handling of public funds at the High Commission.
Among the key allegations is the suspected misappropriation or unaccounted for sum of approximately UGX 300 million, which had been allocated as supplementary funding to address wage shortfalls for embassy staff.
A particularly troubling transaction occurred on August 31, 2023. The embassy reportedly instructed Stanbic Bank Abuja to transfer US$1 million (approximately UGX 3.7 billion) from the High Commission’s account to Golden Edge Blocks Distribution Co. Ltd. This company was virtually unknown and had no prior ties to the mission.
The transfer was controversially labeled as “project funds to Naira project account,” despite a lack of evidence that the company had performed any services for the embassy.
Investigators suspect the firm was used as a pass-through vehicle to exploit black-market exchange rates, potentially yielding illicit gains.
Officials assert that while accounting officers and the financial attaché were involved in the mechanics of these transactions, Ambassador Ocheger was allegedly fully aware, if not complicit, in the scheme.
As the investigation intensified, Ocheger reportedly attempted to impede it by instructing the removal of Mr. Eriya Tusubira, the embassy’s accounting officer, from his role and specifically directed Stanbic Bank to revoke his signature authority on High Commission accounts.
Investigators interpret this as an effort to obstruct inquiries, especially since only Uganda’s Ministry of Finance Permanent Secretary has the authority to effect such changes.
The alleged misconduct has led to tangible operational consequences for the mission. Staff salaries went unpaid for months, the commissioning of the new chancery building (Uganda House Abuja) was delayed, and the entire mission’s work was effectively paralyzed.
Parliamentary officials and opposition lawmakers in Uganda have since pressured for reforms, with the Auditor-General tabling these findings before Parliament, prompting calls for legal accountability and the recall of the mission team.
As of his recall in April 2025, no public statement had been issued by Ambassador Ocheger or his legal representatives. A full report on the matter has been handed over to the President’s office, and a final decision on disciplinary or prosecutorial action is still pending.
Investigations are also underway at the Ugandan Consulate in Dubai, where diplomats are alleged to have conducted unrelated financial misconduct.
The government’s decision to recall multiple envoys and launch country-wide reforms suggests an increasing political will to enforce transparency and fiscal accountability across its diplomatic missions.
