The Inspectorate of Government (IGG) has arrested six officials attached to the Department of Refugees in the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) over allegations of corruption and extortion involving asylum seekers seeking refugee status in Uganda.
Among those reportedly arrested are Patrick Okello and Douglas Asiimwe, according to sources familiar with the ongoing investigation.
The arrests follow months of complaints from refugee communities and concerns raised by humanitarian partners regarding alleged irregularities in refugee registration, status determination, and access to protection services.
Sources close to the investigation say the operation forms part of a wider probe into claims that some officials demanded money from asylum seekers in exchange for recognition as refugees and access to services provided under Uganda’s refugee protection framework.
Investigators are reportedly examining allegations that vulnerable individuals fleeing conflict, persecution, and insecurity were subjected to unlawful financial demands during the registration process.
Concerns have also been raised over documentation requirements imposed on some asylum seekers. Reports indicate that certain applicants were allegedly asked to provide documents such as passports and other records that are often difficult for refugees fleeing war-torn regions to obtain.
The investigation is also said to be reviewing the handling of asylum applications involving individuals from countries including Somalia, Pakistan, Iran and Syria, particularly in cases where applicants sought protection after the expiry of their visas.
The arrests represent one of the most significant anti-corruption actions targeting Uganda’s refugee management system in recent years.
The Department of Refugees is responsible for registering asylum seekers, determining refugee status, and coordinating support services with humanitarian agencies and international partners operating throughout the country.
Uganda hosts one of Africa’s largest refugee populations, with more than 1.8 million refugees and asylum seekers. The country has received international recognition for its relatively progressive refugee policy, which grants refugees freedom of movement, access to employment opportunities, and land for settlement and cultivation in designated areas.
By press time, the Inspectorate of Government had not released an official statement detailing the arrests, the specific offences under investigation, or any formal charges that may be brought against the suspects.
The investigation is expected to draw significant attention from both government and international humanitarian organizations given the importance of maintaining transparency and integrity within Uganda’s refugee protection system.
