By Spy Uganda
In a significant move signaling Uganda’s intensified crackdown on corruption within its foreign service, Ambassador Nelson Ocheger, Uganda’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, has been recalled from his post in Abuja following mounting allegations of financial impropriety and administrative misconduct.
The recall comes in the wake of ongoing investigations led by the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, which have unearthed disturbing evidence suggesting gross mismanagement of public funds at the Ugandan High Commission in Nigeria. At the center of the inquiry is the alleged misappropriation of approximately UGX 300 million, earmarked for embassy wage support and other operational needs.
Investigators are also probing irregularities related to the construction of the new chancery building, with reports indicating that funds meant for the project may have been diverted through questionable channels. A particularly concerning transaction involved the transfer of $1 million to Golden Edge Blocks Distribution Co. Ltd., a company previously unknown to the mission and with no contractual ties—raising serious red flags over potential money laundering and exploitation of currency differentials.
Sources close to the probe allege that Ambassador Ocheger attempted to interfere with the investigation by instructing Stanbic Bank Abuja to remove Mr. Eriya Tusubira, the embassy’s accounting officer, from accessing the commission’s accounts. However, this directive was inconsistent with established protocol, as such authority rests solely with Uganda’s Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance. The move is now being interpreted by authorities as a possible effort to obstruct the ongoing inquiry.
Operationally, the High Commission has been severely affected. Reports of unpaid staff salaries and stalled diplomatic projects—including the much-anticipated launch of the new chancery—underscore the broader impact of the alleged mismanagement. Morale within the mission is reportedly low, and service delivery has been significantly disrupted.
Ambassador Ocheger’s recall is not occurring in isolation. It forms part of a wider government initiative to enforce transparency and fiscal responsibility across Uganda’s foreign missions. Similar investigations are currently being conducted into activities at the Ugandan Consulate in Dubai, where separate issues of misconduct are under review.
As of this publication, Ambassador Ocheger has not issued any public statement regarding the allegations. However, legal analysts anticipate potential charges including corruption, embezzlement, abuse of office, and money laundering as investigations continue to unfold.
The government’s firm stance in this matter reflects a growing political will to restore accountability in Uganda’s diplomatic service—a crucial step in safeguarding the country’s international image and the effective use of taxpayer funds.
