Fresh police raid nets four over suspected counterfeit currency in Lira
Okema said the suspected counterfeit notes and the recovered materials will be submitted to the Bank of Uganda Currency Centre in Lira for forensic examination and authentication.
North Kyoga Regional Police spokesperson Patrick Jimmy Okema. (File)
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Security agencies have dismantled another suspected counterfeit currency operation in Lira city, arresting four men and recovering suspected fake Uganda shilling notes together with materials believed to have been used in the production of forged currency.
The latest operation comes barely two weeks after police uncovered what is believed to be one of northern Uganda's largest suspected counterfeit currency syndicates, in which fake United States dollar notes with a purported face value of $9 million (about sh33.75 billion) were recovered during a raid in Lira city.
According to North Kyoga Regional Police spokesperson Patrick Jimmy Okema, the latest intelligence-led operation was conducted jointly by the Uganda Police Force and the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) at about 4:00pm on July 11, 2026, at Agenda 501 Hotel in Ireda Agali cell, Ireda East ward, Lira City East Division.
Police arrested four suspects identified as Bashir Magambo, 55, a resident of California village in Kyankende subcounty, Kiryandongo district; David Epieu, 43, of Amuria district; Emmanuel Ebulu, 46, of Kapelebyong district; and Abdu Omuria, 40, of Soroti city.
A fifth individual who was initially found with the group is assisting police as an informant.
Police immediately registered a case of alleged possession of counterfeit currency and commenced investigations.
Detectives documented the scene, recorded witness statements, secured the recovered exhibits and detained the suspects as inquiries continue.
Okema said the suspected counterfeit notes and the recovered materials will be submitted to the Bank of Uganda Currency Centre in Lira for forensic examination and authentication.
He warned members of the public against engaging in the manufacture, possession or circulation of counterfeit money, describing the offences as serious crimes that undermine the country's financial system.
"We strongly caution members of the public against engaging in the manufacture, possession, circulation or use of counterfeit currency. Anyone with information about such activities should report it to the nearest police station," Okema said.
Linked to earlier crackdown
In that operation, police recovered approximately 100 bundles of suspected counterfeit $100 notes with a purported face value of $9 million (about sh33.75 billion) during a raid at the residence of businesswoman Nighty Wengo in Ireda ward.
The operation followed intelligence reports that counterfeit currency and equipment used in its production were being stored at the premises.
During the search, detectives recovered a safe allegedly delivered to the residence by Tonny Siwa, who was already in police custody on separate allegations of obtaining money by false pretences.
The safe reportedly contained bundles of suspected counterfeit US dollar notes, while detectives also recovered several motor vehicle logbooks and other exhibits.
Police investigations later suggested that the suspects could have been part of a wider counterfeit currency network with suspected links to Soroti city, although investigations are still ongoing.
The recovered US dollar notes were reportedly also undergoing forensic examination by the Bank of Uganda to establish whether they are genuine or counterfeit.