By Our Reporter
The State House Anti-Corruption Unit has arrested a police officer accused of receiving a Shs2 million bribe from individuals allegedly involved in the illegal degradation of wetlands and other protected areas around Kajjansi in Wakiso District.
Assistant Inspector of Police (AIP) Elly Naserenga, attached to Nateete Police Station and serving as the officer in charge of matters related to the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), was arrested on Tuesday following what officials described as a tip-off.
According to investigators, Naserenga allegedly received the money from one of the suspected environmental degraders in exchange for protection from law enforcement action.
Sources familiar with the investigation allege that Naserenga, working with other individuals and brokers, has been receiving bribes to allow the illegal backfilling of wetlands. Authorities say the destruction of these wetlands has contributed to flooding along the Entebbe Expressway and in surrounding areas.
A source involved in the investigation alleged that instead of enforcing environmental laws, the officer was protecting those accused of destroying wetlands for financial gain.
State House Anti-Corruption Unit spokesperson Mariam Natasha confirmed the arrest, saying Naserenga is being investigated over allegations of extortion and bribery.
“He has been confiscating people’s vehicles and other property and allegedly releasing them after receiving bribes,” Natasha said in a telephone interview.
She declined to provide further details, noting that detectives were still conducting searches, recording statements, and processing evidence.
The arrest followed a complaint filed on July 17, 2026, by John Lule and several drivers and builders operating in Ggaba, Kansanga, Kajjansi, Busabala, Entebbe, Nateete, Kyengera, Ssisa, and Nakawuka. The complainants asked the State House Anti-Corruption Unit to intervene, accusing police officers attached to NEMA operations of harassment, extortion, and unlawful detention.
In his complaint, Lule alleged that police and NEMA officers illegally impounded vehicles and detained suspects.
“I am a victim of compromised policing and incompetence,” Lule wrote, referring to an incident on July 14, 2026.
According to the complaint, an officer identified as Afande Rashid Kiggwe introduced himself as Naserenga’s deputy before the two allegedly demanded Shs5 million, threatening to either hand Lule over to NEMA headquarters or prosecute him if he failed to pay.
Lule further alleged that after being detained for five hours, he was released on police bond and instructed to return the following day with Shs500,000.
He claims that when he returned to Nateete Police Station, Naserenga, Kiggwe, and other officers again threatened to send him to Luzira Prison if he failed to produce the money.
According to the complaint, Lule later met the officers at Kajjansi Police Station on July 16, where they allegedly reduced their demand to Shs2 million, warning that failure to pay would result in his imprisonment.
The arrest comes days after the Deputy Commandant of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, Israel Ochwo, reiterated the government’s commitment to combating corruption.
Speaking on NBS Television, Ochwo said the Unit would continue working closely with other government agencies to ensure that all corruption cases are thoroughly investigated and those responsible are brought to justice.
Authorities say investigations into the allegations are ongoing, and more arrests could follow if additional evidence emerges.
