Lira City Schools Inspector Arrested Over Alleged UNEB Extortion

What the report says

Police in Uganda have arrested Lira City Inspector of Schools Tom Ronald Omara and a businessman, identified as Ambrose Okot, also known as William Musinguzi, over allegations that they extorted money from school headteachers by invoking supposed UNEB examination registration problems. According to Nile Post, the arrests took place on October 11 in a joint operation involving police and the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB).

The report says the suspects are accused of targeting headteachers at primary and secondary schools in Lira City, claiming the schools had irregularities involving private candidate registration for upcoming UNEB exams. Police said the alleged method involved one suspect warning a headteacher that a call from UNEB’s legal office would follow, after which the other would pressure the same official with threats of sanctions unless payment was made.

Schools named in the report as among those allegedly affected include Olaka Primary School, Bishop Tarantino Primary School, also referred to as Bishop KAMI, and Lango College. Police said the case began after an intelligence report and involved analysis of communication data, technical tracking and field inquiries. A police spokesperson said the businessman admitted being part of the alleged scheme and linked a SIM card used in the calls to Omara, though investigators are still working to verify each suspect’s role.

The suspects were taken to Kampala for further investigation, while police and UNEB said they are still tracing possible victims and any proceeds. The case is significant because it highlights concerns about abuse of authority and the potential exploitation of schools through fear of examination-related sanctions.