Two remanded over alleged PLE registration fraud

What the report says

Two men have been remanded to Luzira Prison in connection with allegations that they took money from people while promising to help them register candidates for the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE). The Observer reports that Ambrose Okot, also known as William Musinguzi, a businessman, and Tom Ronald Omara, a school inspector in Lira City, appeared before City Hall senior magistrate Edgar Karakire, where they denied the charges.

According to the prosecution, the pair are accused of conspiring to commit a felony and of obtaining money by false pretence. The allegations include claims that Okot separately collected money from people in Kampala and Ntinda after offering help with unrelated matters, while he and Omara are also said to have received Shs 2 million from a complainant in Lira by falsely claiming they could facilitate registration of private PLE candidates as UPE candidates. Okot also faces a personation count, with prosecutors alleging he posed as a legal officer of the Uganda National Examinations Board.

State Attorney Benjamin Amanya told court that investigations were still ongoing and asked for more time to verify bank and mobile money records linked to the alleged payments. Defence lawyer Andrew Omara said he had only recently received instructions and needed time to consult his clients. The magistrate remanded both accused until October 30, 2026.

The case follows a separate recent proceeding at the same court involving six other suspects accused of possessing fake PLE examination papers, highlighting continued scrutiny over alleged exam-related fraud in Uganda.