By Flavia Oyuu, Communications Office, Lira Diocese
Police in Lira City have arrested four suspects following the recovery of bundles of notes suspected to be counterfeit United States dollars with a purported face value of US$9 million during an intelligence-led operation in Lira City East Division.
According to the North Kyoga Regional Police Spokesperson, SP Jimmy Patrick Okema, the operation was conducted on July 1, 2026, at about 11:00 a.m. in Ireda Shamba Cell, Ireda Ward, after police received credible intelligence about the alleged production and storage of counterfeit foreign currency.
Police officers, led by the District Police Commander of Lira City East Division and armed with a duly issued search certificate, searched the residence of businesswoman Wengo Nighty.
During the operation, detectives recovered a safe from the room of Sandra, a sister to Wengo Nighty. Sandra reportedly told investigators that the safe had been brought to the home by a maid identified as Apio Luck.
The search also led to the recovery of several motor vehicle logbooks and a quantity of United States dollar notes.
Police said preliminary inquiries indicated that the safe had been delivered to the residence by Zziwa Tonny, who is currently being held at Lira City Central Police Station on allegations of obtaining money by false pretences.
After opening the safe, investigators recovered approximately 100 bundles of US$100 notes suspected to be counterfeit, with a purported face value of US$9 million, equivalent to about UGX 33.75 billion. Police said all the exhibits were documented and secured in accordance with investigative procedures.
According to SP Okema, further interrogation of Zziwa allegedly revealed that he transported the safe to the residence and claimed the suspects had been involved in the operation for some time as part of a wider network, with other alleged associates operating in Soroti City.
A joint team comprising officers from Lira City East Division, including the Criminal Investigations Department, Crime Intelligence, and Scene of Crime personnel, processed and documented the scene.
Police said the recovered currency will be submitted to the Bank of Uganda for forensic examination to establish whether the notes are genuine or counterfeit.
The four suspects remain in custody as investigations continue. Police are recording statements and compiling case files for submission to the Resident Chief State Attorney for legal guidance.
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