(When a thief confesses but still walks free, the law itself comes under trial). That is the dilemma unfolding in the controversial bribery case involving Karago Construction & Investments Ltd and its attempt to influence a court ruling with UGX 150 million.
While the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU) has issued a strong statement against allegations of inaction, Emmaus Foundation Investments Ltd remains unconvinced, questioning the sluggish pace of investigations and the apparent reluctance to prosecute the self-confessed bribers.
On Saturday, March 1, 2025, SH-ACU released a press statement dismissing as “false and malicious” an online article that accused the Unit of blocking a bribery case against Karago Construction’s directors, Mr. Baguma Godfrey and Ms. Mbabazi Faith. The Unit insisted that investigations were well underway and that claims of inaction were unfounded.
According to SH-ACU, the matter was first brought to their attention on January 30, 2025, by Justice Dr. Douglas Singiza himself, who reported that his research assistant, Her Worship Anne Nanteza, had allegedly received UGX 150 million intended as a bribe to sway his ruling in favor of Karago Construction.
Justice Singiza categorically denied ever receiving such money and requested an urgent investigation.
That same day, the Anti-Corruption Unit assigned a team of investigators, leading to the arrest and interrogation of Nanteza, who denied receiving any bribe. However, further investigations reportedly unearthed evidence pointing to a possible illicit transaction. She was later released on bond as inquiries continued.
Meanwhile, Carol Aparo, a private lawyer said to have acted as the conduit for the bribe, initially went into hiding but later turned herself in on February 24, 2025. She, too, denied involvement, but the Unit claims evidence suggested otherwise. Like Nanteza, she was released on bond as investigations continued.
Despite the Unit’s assurances, one of the complainants, Mr. Martin Barigye, a director at Emmaus Foundation, insists that authorities are handling the matter with unwarranted hesitation.
Speaking to The Ankole Times, Barigye revealed that when he first recorded his statement, the investigating officer bluntly told him that there was “no evidence” and that prosecuting Baguma and Mbabazi would be difficult, if not impossible.
“This money was released. We know who took it. Baguma and his wife admit they gave it. They even demanded a refund when the ruling didn’t go in their favor. What more evidence do they want?” Barigye questioned.
Adding to the frustration, he revealed that despite a court ruling ordering Karago Construction to vacate Emmaus Foundation’s land immediately, the company has refused to leave. According to Barigye, Baguma and his wife insist they will not vacate the land until their UGX 150 million is refunded.
Repeated attempts by The Ankole Times to get a response from Mr. Baguma were unsuccessful, as all calls to his known contacts went unanswered.
Following the publication of our initial report last week, The Ankole Times has received several calls threatening to sue and even arrest the writer of the article. However, we remain unshaken, as our only intention is to unearth the truth and ensure that justice is served.
Journalism thrives on facts, and as long as the facts remain in question, we shall continue to ask the hard questions.
We appreciate the State House Anti-Corruption Unit for coming out to clarify its position on the matter. However, as investigations continue, the public expects full accountability, both for the ugx 150 million bribery scandal and for the delayed enforcement of the court ruling.
The controversy surrounding this case raises fundamental questions about Uganda’s fight against corruption.
If individuals can openly admit to bribery and still avoid prosecution, what message does that send to the public? If Karago Construction’s directors can defy a court order with no consequences, where does that leave the integrity of the judiciary?
The Anti-Corruption Unit insists investigations are progressing, but for Emmaus Foundation, justice delayed is justice denied. Will the system uphold the law, or will corruption yet again dictate the outcome?
For now, the country watches and waits.
