Eronda
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- Dec 16, 2025
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The Inspectorate of Government (IGG) has arrested six officials attached to the Department of Refugees under the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) over allegations that they solicited money from asylum seekers in exchange for refugee status.
Among those arrested are Commissioner Patrick Okello and Assistant Commissioner Douglas Asiimwe, according to sources familiar with the ongoing operation.
The arrests follow mounting complaints from refugee communities and concerns raised by some humanitarian partners regarding alleged corruption, extortion and irregularities within Uganda's refugee registration and management system.
Sources indicate that the IGG operation is part of a wider investigation into claims that certain officials responsible for refugee registration and status determination demanded payments from asylum seekers seeking recognition and access to protection services.
Some asylum seekers have reportedly complained about restrictive documentation requirements during the registration process, including requests for documents such as passports from individuals fleeing conflict, persecution and insecurity in their home countries.
Concerns have also been raised over the handling of asylum applications involving individuals from countries including Somalia, Pakistan, Iran and Syria, particularly in cases where applicants sought refugee protection after their visas had expired.
The arrests mark one of the most significant anti-corruption actions targeting Uganda's refugee management structures in recent years.
Uganda hosts one of Africa's largest refugee populations, with more than 1.8 million refugees and asylum seekers, according to recent figures from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
Source: Nile post
