The Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala has remanded two senior officials from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) to Luzira Prison over allegations of abuse of office and extortion involving refugee registration.
Patrick Okello, the Commissioner for Refugee Management, and Noel Ikwap, an Assistant Information Technology Officer, appeared before Grade One Magistrate Esther Asiimwe. The magistrate ordered both suspects remanded until August 10, 2026, when they are scheduled to return for case mentioning and the hearing of their bail application.
The arrests stem from a broader investigation led by the Inspectorate of Government (IG). Okello was originally apprehended in June alongside five other officers and a Pakistani national for their alleged involvement in extorting money during the registration of vulnerable displaced populations.
In court, IGG prosecutor Mikka Luteete-appearing alongside Diana Nantabazi and Pius Kaweesi-informed the magistrate that investigations remain ongoing. Luteete requested an adjournment to allow law enforcement adequate time to finalize their findings before proceeding to trial.
Under Section 11(1) of Uganda’s Anti-Corruption Act, an individual convicted of abuse of office faces up to seven years in prison, a fine, or both.
This prosecution marks the latest chapter in a series of legal and administrative challenges plaguing the OPM’s refugee management division. As Uganda hosts one of the largest refugee populations globally, the department has faced intense scrutiny from internal auditors and international donors over the misdirection of resources and administrative impunity.
IGG officials emphasized that these court proceedings underscore the watchdog’s commitment to eradicating corruption and enforcing strict accountability across all public institutions