LIRA CITY, UGANDA – Police in Lira City East Division have arrested four suspects and seized suspected counterfeit United States dollar notes with a purported face value of USD 9,000,000 (approximately UGX 33.75 billion) following an intelligence-led operation on July 1, 2026.
The operation was conducted at approximately 11:00 a.m. in Ireda Shamba Cell, Ireda Ward, following credible intelligence reports regarding a machine used in the production of fake currency and the storage of suspected counterfeit notes at the residence of one Wengo Nighty, a businesswoman in Lira City.
A team led by the Divisional Police Commander (DPC) proceeded to the scene with a duly issued search certificate. During the search, a safe was recovered from the room of Sandra, a sister to Wengo Nighty, who informed officers that the safe had been brought to her by a maid identified as Apio Luck. The search also led to the recovery of several motor vehicle logbooks and a quantity of money in US dollar denominations.
Preliminary inquiries with Wengo Nighty revealed that the safe had been delivered to her residence by one Siwa Tonny, who is currently in custody at Lira City Central Police Station on allegations of obtaining money by false pretences. The safe was subsequently opened in the presence of the investigative team, where approximately one hundred bundles of USD 100 notes were recovered.
Speaking on the matter, North Kyoga Region Police Spokesperson, SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, confirmed that all exhibits were properly documented and secured in accordance with established procedures. He noted that further interview of Siwa Tonny allegedly revealed that he had transported the safe to Nighty's residence and that they had been involved in the business for an extended period as part of a wider network, with other associates reportedly operating in Soroti City.
Okema added that the scene was visited and processed by a joint team led by the DPC, in the company of the OC CID, OC CI, and the OC Station, with thorough documentation by Scene of Crime officers.
Arrangements are underway to submit the recovered currency to the Bank of Uganda for forensic examination and confirmation of its authenticity. The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue, with statements being recorded and case files compiled for submission to the Resident Chief State Attorney for further legal guidance.
