President Museveni sends senior Internal Affairs, police officials on leave over alleged Shs31b CCTV scandal

By Peter Luzinda 

 

KAMPALA — President Yoweri Museveni has ordered three senior officials from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Uganda Police Force to step aside as investigations gather pace into an alleged Shs31 billion corruption scandal linked to the national CCTV camera project.

The officials affected by the directive are Lt. Gen. Joseph Musanyufu, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Internal Affairs; Mr Aggrey Wunyi, the Under-Secretary of the Uganda Police Force; and Assistant Inspector General of Police Felix Baryamwitsakyi.

Sources familiar with the matter say the decision was reached after security and anti-corruption agencies presented preliminary findings pointing to suspected irregularities in procurement and financial management associated with the CCTV surveillance programme.

The development has triggered fresh debate over accountability in Uganda’s security sector, especially concerning large-scale technology and surveillance contracts funded by taxpayers.

The CCTV project was introduced by government as part of broader efforts to strengthen national security and combat crime, particularly after a wave of high-profile assassinations and violent attacks that alarmed the country several years ago.

Thousands of cameras were subsequently installed in Kampala and other urban centres to support intelligence gathering, monitor public spaces, improve traffic management, and assist police investigations.

Government officials have repeatedly defended the project, arguing that the surveillance system has significantly enhanced the ability of security agencies to track suspects and respond to criminal activity.

Police have in the past credited the CCTV network for helping to solve murder investigations, robberies, kidnappings, and terrorism-related incidents.

Despite these successes, the project has remained controversial from the outset due to concerns over procurement costs, contract confidentiality, and allegations of inflated expenditure.

Critics and opposition figures have on several occasions demanded detailed accountability regarding how billions of shillings allocated to the surveillance system were spent.

The latest investigations reportedly focus on claims that public funds amounting to approximately Shs31 billion may have been irregularly paid out through questionable procurement processes and contract approvals.

Investigators are also said to be examining allegations of bribery, abuse of office, and possible collusion involving both public officials and private contractors connected to the CCTV project.

Although authorities have not yet publicly disclosed the full details of the alleged scheme, sources indicate that the ongoing probe could widen to include additional officials and technical service providers involved in the surveillance contracts.

President Museveni’s directive requiring the officials to proceed on leave is understood to be aimed at ensuring that investigations continue without interference.

The move is being viewed by many observers as one of the most significant anti-corruption actions involving senior security sector officials in recent years.

Lt. Gen. Musanyufu is regarded as one of the most senior administrators within Uganda’s security establishment. Before becoming Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, he previously served as Commissioner General of Prisons and played a major role in overseeing government security institutions.

Mr Aggrey Wunyi, as Under-Secretary of the Uganda Police Force, occupies a powerful administrative office responsible for key operational and financial functions within the police institution.

AIGP Felix Baryamwitsakyi has also held several influential positions within the Uganda Police Force and has been associated with intelligence and operations work during his career.

By Friday evening, none of the three officials had publicly responded to the allegations or commented on the President’s directive.

The State House Anti-Corruption Unit, Criminal Investigations Directorate, Inspectorate of Government, and other investigative bodies are expected to take part in the ongoing inquiries.

The scandal is likely to attract strong public interest given the scale of the funds involved and the seniority of the officials named in the investigations.

Uganda has over the years faced repeated criticism from anti-corruption activists and civil society organisations over persistent allegations of misuse of public resources within government institutions.

Reports from the Auditor General and parliamentary accountability committees have frequently highlighted concerns over procurement irregularities, unexplained expenditures, and weak oversight in major government projects.

Security-related procurements, however, often attract additional secrecy because many contracts are classified under national security arrangements.

Analysts say the current investigations could test the government’s willingness to pursue accountability within agencies traditionally viewed as highly protected from public scrutiny.

Some political commentators argue that the President’s decision to send the officials on leave signals growing pressure on government to demonstrate seriousness in tackling corruption at high levels of public service.

Others believe the outcome of the probe will determine whether the move is seen as a genuine anti-corruption effort or merely a temporary administrative action.

If sufficient evidence is established, legal experts say the investigations could eventually lead to criminal charges, recovery proceedings, or disciplinary action against individuals found culpable.

For now, attention remains fixed on the anti-corruption agencies handling the case and whether further arrests, suspensions, or revelations could emerge in the coming days.

The CCTV scandal now joins a growing list of major public-sector corruption investigations that have shaken Uganda’s political and security establishment in recent years.