QFM
Four Arrested in Lira City Over Suspected Counterfeit UGX 3 Million
12 July 2026, 10:52 pm
By Hillary Opio Omara
LIRA CITY- Four suspects have been arrested in Lira City in a joint security operation by Police and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) over the alleged possession of counterfeit currency and materials suspected to be used in producing fake banknotes.
According to the North Kyoga Regional Police Spokesperson, SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, the intelligence-led operation was conducted on Saturday, 11th July 2026 at about 4:00pm at Agenda 501 Hotel in Ireda Agali Cell, Ireda East Ward, Lira City East Division.
The suspects have been identified as:
- Magambo Bashir (55), resident of California Village, Kyankende Sub-county, Kiryandongo District
- Epieu David (43), Amuria District
- Ebulu Emmanuel (46), Kapelebyong District
- Omuria Abdu (40), Soroti City
Police revealed that another person who was initially found with the group is now cooperating with investigators as an informant.
Exhibits Recovered
During the operation, security officers recovered:
- Suspected counterfeit UGX 50,000 notes with a face value of UGX 3 million
Assorted materials and chemicals believed to have been intended for the production of counterfeit currency
SP Okema said detectives documented the scene, recorded witness statements, recovered the exhibits, and detained the four suspects to facilitate further investigations.
Okema urged anyone with information about counterfeit money syndicates or related criminal activities to report to the nearest police station to support ongoing efforts to combat financial crimes.