Businesswoman charged with UGX 983 million fraud in Iganga Technical Institute scandal
Erina Barugahara Wanzala, a director of Basaam General Merchandise and Supplies Ltd, has been remanded after allegedly conspiring with senior institute administrators to embezzle government funds through fake food supply contracts.
A businesswoman has been arraigned before the Anti-Corruption Court on charges of conspiracy to commit a felony involving nearly UGX 1 billion allegedly embezzled from Iganga Technical Institute.
Erina Barugahara Wanzala, Director of Basaam General Merchandise and Supplies Ltd, appeared in court following an investigation by the Anti-Corruption Unit of the State House, in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID1_UG) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP Uganda).
The court remanded Wanzala until March 31, 2026, when she will reappear alongside her co-accused.
Alleged scheme
According to investigators, the alleged fraud occurred between January 2024 and December 2025 in Iganga District. Prosecutors allege that Wanzala conspired with Eliachu David, Wabwire Benedict, and Ajuna Damali — all senior administrators at Iganga Technical Institute — to embezzle UGX 983,480,000 from the government institution.
Investigations indicate that Wanzala received the funds through bank transactions and withdrew the money in installments. The payments were made under the guise of procuring food supplies for the institute. However, authorities allege that the supplies were never delivered during the 2024–2025 period.
Joint operation
The case represents a coordinated effort by Uganda’s anti-corruption agencies. The Anti-Corruption Unit of the State House worked alongside the CID and the DPP’s office to build the case against the businesswoman and the institute’s senior administrators.
Wanzala’s co-accused — identified as senior administrators at the technical institute — face charges related to the same alleged conspiracy. All are expected to appear in court together when the case resumes on March 31.
Background
Iganga Technical Institute is a government institution in eastern Uganda responsible for technical and vocational training. The alleged fraud targeted funds intended for operational expenses, specifically student food supplies.
The case adds to a growing list of corruption-related prosecutions involving public funds in Uganda’s education sector, as anti-corruption agencies continue their mandate to investigate misuse of government resources.
Further proceedings are expected when the accused appear before the Anti-Corruption Court next week.
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