KAMPALA — Two senior officials from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) have been arrested by the Inspectorate of Government (IGG). They are accused of soliciting bribes from asylum seekers in exchange for approving refugee status.
The officials have been identified as Commissioner Patrick Okello and Assistant Commissioner Douglas Asiimwe. Both serve in the Department of Refugees under the OPM.
Their arrest follows investigations triggered by multiple complaints from refugee groups and humanitarian partners. The complaints allege corruption, extortion, and irregularities in the refugee registration process.
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According to sources, asylum seekers fleeing conflict and persecution were allegedly asked to make illegal payments. These payments were meant to facilitate registration and approval of refugee status. In some cases, applicants were also required to present official travel documents, including passports. This was despite many fleeing war zones without such documents.
Concerns have also been raised over the handling of applications involving asylum seekers from Somalia, Pakistan, Iran, and Syria. This includes individuals who overstayed expired visas while awaiting refugee determination.
Humanitarian actors and refugee advocacy groups have described the alleged practices as exploitative. They warn that the actions undermine Uganda’s internationally recognised refugee protection system.
Uganda hosts one of the largest refugee populations in Africa and is widely praised for its open-door policy. However, there are recurring allegations of corruption within refugee management. These allegations raise questions about accountability and oversight.
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The IGG is expected to provide further details as investigations continue. More officials could also be implicated as the probe widens.
written by @enock katamba
- Enock Katamba is a Ugandan Journalist and Founder of Uncovered UG, an independent digital news platform covering Uganda and international developments. He reports on politics, national affairs, entertainment, sports, business, education and other stories of public interest.
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