Uganda Detains Nine Finance Officials Over $16.87 Million Bank Hack

Ugandan police have arrested nine officials from the Ministry of Finance in connection with the hacking of the central bank’s electronic systems, leading to the theft of 62 billion shillings ($16.87 million).

The arrests follow an investigation into reports confirmed in November by State Minister for Finance Henry Musasizi, who acknowledged that the Bank of Uganda’s accounts had been compromised. Among those detained is a top Treasury official, according to statements from both the police and the finance ministry.

A post on the ministry’s X account stated that officers from the accountant general’s office were summoned by the Criminal Investigations Department to aid the probe. However, the ministry did not disclose specific names or numbers, while police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke confirmed on NTV television that nine officials had been arrested.

Local media reports suggest that a group of hackers identifying themselves as “Waste” breached the central bank’s IT system and illicitly transferred funds. Investigations are ongoing.