Police in Lira City have arrested four people in connection with alleged possession and production of counterfeit currency following a joint security operation involving the Uganda Police Force and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
The suspects were apprehended at Agenda 501 Hotel in Lira City East Division during an intelligence-led operation, according to police.
They have been identified as Bashir Magambo, 55, a resident of California village in Kyankende Sub-county, Kiryandongo District; David Epieu, 43, from Amuria District; Emmanuel Ebulu, 46, from Kapelebyong District; and Abdu Omuria, 40, a resident of Soroti City.
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Police said another person who was initially part of the group is currently assisting investigators as an informant. A case of suspected possession of counterfeit currency has been opened at Lira City East Division Police Station.
North Kyoga Regional Police spokesperson Patrick Jimmy Okema said officers recovered suspected counterfeit Shs50,000 notes worth Shs3 million, along with chemicals and other materials believed to have been used in making fake currency.
“Detectives documented the scene, recorded statements from witnesses, recovered the suspected exhibits and detained the four suspects to help with ongoing investigations,” Okema said.
He added that the recovered currency and other materials would be taken to the Bank of Uganda Currency Centre in Lira for forensic examination and analysis.
The arrests come shortly after another operation in Ireda Shamba Cell, Lira City East Division, where four suspects were detained after security officers recovered suspected counterfeit United States dollar notes valued at about $9 million (approximately Shs33.75 billion).
Police said that operation followed a tip-off that counterfeit currency and related materials were being stored at the residence of a local businesswoman.
During the search, officers reportedly recovered suspected fake US dollar notes from a safe at the home of a suspect identified only as Sandra. Several vehicle logbooks and additional US dollar notes in different denominations were also recovered.
Security agencies say investigations into both incidents are ongoing as authorities work to establish the extent of the alleged counterfeit currency network.
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