The Head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), Col. Edith Nakalema, has intervened in an extortion case involving Dr. Rachael Mbabazi, a manager at the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), who allegedly solicited and received Shs47 million from an investor under fraudulent pretenses.
The complainant, Hajji Isaac Mulindwa, had sought to purchase 100 wild animals to stock his 640-acre private ranch in Busikili, Matugga. Although he paid USD 8,000 to UWA’s official account and completed all legal requirements by May 2023—earning a license to own the animals—he only received 31.
Col. Nakalema revealed that Mbabazi personally received an additional Shs47 million from Hajji Mulindwa through her private bank and Mobile Money accounts, claiming it was for transportation of the animals. “It’s not UWA which frustrated you, Hajji. It was one of their staff,” Nakalema said at a press briefing in Kampala. “The implicated officer should not remain in public office. What Mbabazi did was an abuse of office.”
She reiterated SHIPU’s commitment to protecting investors and emphasized the importance of dealing directly with institutions, not individuals. “When investors engage individuals, they expose themselves to extortion and fraud. Always work through official channels,” she advised.
Col. Nakalema praised UWA’s top leadership for swiftly cooperating in the matter. “We thank the UWA Executive Director, Dr. James Musinguzi, for promptly acting to resolve the issue. UWA has committed to delivering the remaining animals within days,” she noted.
She confirmed that the case had been handed over to the State House Anti-Corruption Unit for further handling.
Speaking on behalf of Dr. Musinguzi, UWA Director of Biodiversity Management, Mr. John Makombo, said the authority deeply regretted the incident. “We received the complaint this week and have been working closely with SHIPU. UWA does not condone such conduct, and we operate a strict cashless system,” he explained.
He added that internal disciplinary action against Mbabazi was also underway and assured the public that the matter was an isolated incident.
Hajji Mulindwa expressed appreciation for the intervention. “I thank Col. Nakalema for the professional way she managed my case,” he said.
He also confirmed that Mbabazi and her legal team had refunded Shs22 million so far, with the balance to be cleared in two weeks.
