Read Here About- Ambassador NELSON OCEGER Financial Misconduct at Uganda’s High Commission in Abuja

1. Background and Initiation of Investigation

Between mid‑2022 and early 2024, Uganda’s High Commission in Abuja came under scrutiny following a damning audit by the Auditor‑General that revealed serious irregularities in the handling of public funds. The Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), along with the State House Anti‑Corruption Unit (SHACU), launched a joint investigation into suspected embezzlement, money laundering, abuse of office, and corruption involving key diplomats including High Commissioner Nelson Ocheger.

2. Key Allegations and Financial Transactions

   •   Approximately UGX 300 million (roughly USh 300m) allocated as supplementary funding to address wage shortfalls for embassy staff was reportedly misappropriated or unaccounted for .

   •   A particularly troubling transaction occurred on August 31, 2023, when the embassy instructed Stanbic Bank Abuja to transfer US $1 million (~USh 3.7 billion) from the High Commission’s account to Golden Edge Blocks Distribution Co. Ltd., a virtually unknown company with no prior ties to the mission.

      •   The transfer was labeled as “project funds to Naira project account,” yet there was no evidence the company had performed any services for the embassy. It appeared to have been used as a pass‑through vehicle to exploit black‑market exchange rates, potentially yielding illicit gains by converting at a higher rate than official channels.

3. Role and Alleged Involvement of Ambassador Ocheger

   •   Officials assert that while accounting officers and the financial attaché carried out the mechanics of these transactions, Ambassador Ocheger was fully aware, if not complicit, in the scheme.

   •   As the investigation intensified, Ocheger reportedly attempted to impede it by instructing the removal of Mr. Eriya Tusubira, the embassy’s accounting officer, from his role—and specifically directed Stanbic Bank to revoke his signature authority on High Commission accounts. Investigators interpret this as an effort to obstruct inquiries, especially since only Uganda’s Ministry of Finance Permanent Secretary has the authority to effect such changes.

4. Operational Fallout and Diplomatic Paralysis

   •   The misconduct has had tangible operational consequences: staff salaries went unpaid for months, the commissioning of the new chancery building (Uganda House Abuja) was delayed, and the entire mission’s work was effectively paralysed.

   •   Parliamentary officials and opposition lawmakers in Uganda pressured for reforms; the Auditor‑General tabled these findings before Parliament, prompting calls for legal accountability and the recall of the mission team.

5. Recall and Official Response

   •   In April 2025, Ambassador Ocheger was officially recalled from his post in Abuja amid formal allegations of embezzlement, money laundering, abuse of office, and corruption.

   •   As of that recall, no public statement had been issued by Ocheger or his legal representatives. A full report had been handed over to the President and Museveni’s office, and a final decision on disciplinary or prosecutorial action was still pending 

6. Wider Context: Diplomatic Accountability and Systemic Concerns

   •   This scandal is emblematic of broader issues within Uganda’s foreign service. Investigations are also underway at the Ugandan Consulate in Dubai, where diplomats are alleged to have conducted unrelated financial misconduct involving gambling machines and misuse of diplomatic privileges  

   •   The government’s decision to recall multiple envoys and launch country‑wide reforms suggests increasing political will to enforce transparency and fiscal accountability across diplomatic missions 

Summary

Ambassador Nelson Ocheger stands accused of orchestrating or enabling financial misconduct at the Uganda Mission in Nigeria involving misused wage funds and a suspicious $1 million transfer to an obscure firm. His reported attempt to alter accounting authority mid‑investigation deepened suspicions of obstruction. The fallout included salary delays, stalled embassy projects, and his eventual recall. Investigations remain ongoing, with charges expected to include corruption, embezzlement, abuse of office, and money laundering. The case reflects deeper challenges in diplomatic financial oversight and has prompted broader reforms across Uganda’s foreign missions.

Ministry of foreign affairs-Whistleblower