Hackers have successfully breached the Bank of Uganda’s security systems, siphoning off billions of Ugandan shillings with the stolen funds traced to accounts in Japan and the United Kingdom.
The audacious heist, which took place earlier last week, has prompted a swift and decisive response from President Yoweri Museveni.
The President has ordered a thorough investigation into the matter, tasking the Director of the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), Tom Magambo, to lead the probe.
Sources within the government have revealed that top officials from both the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Uganda have been summoned for questioning.
As the investigation intensifies, authorities are considering potential arrests as they work to identify and apprehend those responsible for the cybercrime.
The stolen funds were reportedly intended for transfer to the World Bank, adding another layer of complexity to the incident.
The successful execution of the attack has raised serious concerns about the security of Uganda’s financial infrastructure and its vulnerability to cyber threats.
While the funds transferred to Japan have already been withdrawn, those sent to the UK have been frozen, offering a glimmer of hope for potential recovery.
However, the challenge of tracking and reclaiming the stolen money remains significant, particularly given the transnational nature of the crime.
