Four Arrested in Lira City as Police, UPDF Crack Down on Alleged Counterfeit Currency Network

LIRA, Uganda – A joint security operation by the Uganda Police Force and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has led to the arrest of four suspects accused of possessing and allegedly dealing in counterfeit currency during a raid at a hotel in Lira City.

The suspects were arrested at Agenda 501 Hotel in Lira City East Division following an intelligence-led operation targeting an alleged counterfeit money syndicate.

The arrested individuals 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.
• Abdu Omuria, 40, a resident of Soroti City.

According to police, another individual who was initially part of the group is now cooperating with investigators and has become an informant in the ongoing case.

Police Recover Suspected Fake Money and Counterfeiting Materials

North Kyoga Regional Police spokesperson Patrick Jimmy Okema confirmed that security officers recovered suspected counterfeit Shs50,000 notes with a total face value of Shs3 million.

During the operation, officers also seized chemicals and other materials believed to have been intended for the production of counterfeit currency.

Police detectives documented the crime scene, collected witness statements, secured the suspected exhibits, and detained the four suspects as investigations continue.

“The recovered currency and related materials will be submitted to the Bank of Uganda Currency Centre in Lira for forensic examination and analysis,” Okema said.

Authorities have registered a case of alleged possession of counterfeit currency at Lira City East Division Police Station.

Arrests Follow Earlier Counterfeit US Dollar Bust

The latest arrests come only weeks after another major intelligence-led operation in Ireda Shamba Cell, also within Lira City East Division, where security agencies arrested four suspects linked to suspected counterfeit United States dollar notes.

During that operation, police recovered bundles of suspected fake US dollar notes with a face value of approximately $9 million (about Shs33.75 billion).

Investigators acted on intelligence indicating that counterfeit currency and related materials were being stored at the residence of a local businesswoman identified only as Sandra.

Police recovered the suspected counterfeit US dollars from a safe inside the residence and also seized several motor vehicle logbooks along with additional US dollar notes in various denominations.

Police Continue Investigations

Security agencies say investigations into both counterfeit currency cases are ongoing as forensic experts examine the recovered exhibits to determine their authenticity and establish the full extent of the alleged criminal network.

Police have urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected counterfeit currency or suspicious financial activities to the nearest police station.