President Museveni Warns His Staff Over Worsening Corruption in His Office

Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has once again expressed deep dissatisfaction with the conduct of some of his staff, revealing that certain individuals in his office have been deeply entrenched in corruption. According to the President, these employees have been demanding as much as 30 million Ugandan shillings from citizens before allowing them to submit letters or requests to him.

In his remarks, Museveni said there were cases where citizens were told to first pay this money so that an employee in his office would “do everything possible” to ensure the President saw their letter. “It is true—when the letter reached me, I would respond. But inside my office, some people had turned this into a business. It happened, and we arrested some of them,” he stated.

He went on to explain that this situation pushed some citizens to try alternative routes, including approaching Marcella Karekye, a staff member in the President’s office who frequently appears in the media. Believing she might have easier access to Museveni, they sought her help. However, Karekye would reportedly turn to Natasha Karugire, the President’s daughter, for assistance. This in turn led to Natasha being perceived by some as an informal head of intelligence, due to the broken systems and poor conduct within the State House.

Museveni noted that the consequences of such misconduct have not only affected ordinary citizens but have also hurt high-profile investors seeking meetings with him, as some were also asked for bribes in order to gain access.

This is not the first time corruption allegations have emerged from within the President’s office. In 2024, security agencies arrested several senior staff members on suspicion of corruption and other serious offenses. Among them were Lt. Vicky Munaaba, who worked closely with the President’s military adviser; Rose Nakunga, his private secretary; Cpl Moses Kebba; and Michael Christopher Ayeranga.

President Museveni has issued a stern warning to all his staff, emphasizing that it is impossible to eradicate corruption from government institutions if top officials themselves turn it into a culture within such critical offices.