Four Arrested Over Suspected Counterfeit Currency in Lira City

By Flavia Oyuu, Communications Office Lira Diocese

A joint security operation by the Police and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has led to the arrest of four suspects over the alleged possession of counterfeit currency and materials believed to have been intended for the production of fake banknotes in Lira City.

According to the North Kyoga Regional Police Spokesperson, SP Jimmy Patrick Okema, the intelligence-led operation was conducted on Saturday, July 11, at about 4:00 p.m. at Agenda 501 Hotel in Ireda Agali Cell, Ireda East Ward, Lira City East Division.

The suspects were identified as Magambo Bashir, 55, a resident of Kiryandongo District; Epieu David, 43, of Amuria District; Ebulu Emmanuel, 46, of Kapelebyong District; and Omuria Abdu, 40, of Soroti City.

Police said another individual who was initially among the group is now assisting investigators as an informant.

During the operation, security personnel recovered suspected UGX 50,000 counterfeit notes with a total face value of UGX 3 million, together with various materials and chemicals believed to have been intended for the production of counterfeit currency.

Police have since opened a case of alleged possession of counterfeit currency at Lira City East Division.

Investigators visited and documented the scene, recorded statements from witnesses, recovered the suspected exhibits and detained the four suspects to facilitate ongoing investigations.

According to SP Okema, the recovered notes and related materials will be submitted to the Bank of Uganda Currency Centre in Lira for forensic examination to establish their authenticity and support the investigations.

Police have warned members of the public against engaging in the manufacture, possession, circulation or use of counterfeit currency, describing the offences as serious crimes. They urged anyone with information about such activities to report it to the nearest police station.

The latest arrests come days after police recovered notes suspected to be counterfeit US dollars during a separate operation in Lira City, with investigations into that case still ongoing.

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