Nine Ugandan government officials have been arrested and detained in connection with a major cybercrime that resulted in the theft of 62 billion shillings ($16.87 million) from the country's central bank. The officials, including the highest-ranking officer in the ministry's Treasury division, are suspected of hacking into the bank's electronic systems and manipulating financial data to siphon off the massive sum.

The arrests were made by the Ugandan police force, which has been investigating the cybercrime since November 2024. The police spokesperson, Kituuma Rusoke, revealed that the nine suspects were summoned and detained by the Criminal Investigations Department to facilitate the conclusion of the investigations. Although the police have confirmed the arrests, the finance ministry has chosen not to disclose the names of the detained officials.

The cybercrime is believed to have been carried out through the manipulation of the government's digital cash transaction portal, the Integrated Facility Management System (IFMS). According to a report by Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC), the fraud involved accountants and computer specialists manipulating financial data within the IFMS. The report, codenamed "Project Tai," was conducted in September 2024 and revealed that Uganda had suffered two major cyber attacks, resulting in significant financial losses.

The first cyber attack resulted in the theft of $6.134 million (Shs22.3 billion), which was meant for the World Bank's International Development Association. The second attack involved the theft of $8.596 billion (Shs 31.2 billion), which was meant for the African World Development Bank development fund. The funds were traced to a London-based bank account.

The Ugandan government has been criticized for its handling of the cybercrime, with allegations that the Ministry of Finance kept the situation under wraps until the IDA pointed out the late payment in October. The situation was not submitted to the Auditor General's office for another month, raising concerns about the government's commitment to transparency and accountability.

The arrests of the nine officials are a significant development in the investigation, and it remains to be seen whether they will lead to convictions and restitution for the stolen funds. The incident highlights the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect against cybercrime, particularly in the financial sector. It also underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in government, particularly in the handling of public funds.

The incident is a wake-up call for governments and financial institutions across Africa to invest in cybersecurity and implement robust measures to prevent and detect cybercrime. It also highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the handling of public funds, and for governments to take swift action against those suspected of corruption and cybercrime.

As the investigation continues, it is likely that more details will emerge about the extent of the cybercrime and the involvement of the detained officials. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of cybersecurity and the need for governments and financial institutions to prioritize the protection of public funds and sensitive information.