What has happened to Thomas Lapyem Awany?
In Uganda’s legal and political landscape, where trust is paramount, one man has allegedly exploited vulnerabilities for personal gain, leaving a trail of victims and broken promises. Thomas Lapyem Awany, once viewed as an aspiring leader in Northern Uganda, now faces grave accusations of fraud, impersonation, and betrayal. His actions, particularly in the case of Dr. Gloria Kamira, reveal a calculated pattern of deceit that has shaken confidence in Uganda’s justice system and raised urgent questions about accountability.
A Fraudulent Facade
Thomas Lapyem Awany has never graduated from the Law Development Centre (LDC) and is not a licensed lawyer in Uganda, yet he has allegedly presented himself as one, deceiving clients seeking legal recourse. This impersonation, a serious offense under Ugandan law, forms the core of his alleged misconduct. His most high-profile case involves Dr. Gloria Kamira Lukalu, a Ugandan-American medical professional and tech entrepreneur who sought justice after being defrauded in a scheme involving false promises of a meeting with General Salim Saleh for a development project.
Dr. Kamira, founder of the U.S.-based Exutory, approached Lapyem in hopes of recovering over Shs 81 million lost to fraudsters linked to Operation Wealth Creation (OWC). Lapyem, presenting himself as a qualified attorney with Collectica Associates Legal Consultants, promised to pursue the suspects. Instead, he allegedly turned her case into a profit-making venture, collecting substantial payments under the guise of facilitating arrests while failing to compensate those who assisted in apprehending the suspects.
Betraying Trust for Profit
Lapyem’s actions went beyond mere negligence. Without Dr. Kamira’s consent, he allegedly secured bail for the very suspects she sought to prosecute, effectively undermining her pursuit of justice. In a shocking twist, he reportedly stood in court as the complainant, sidelining Dr. Kamira entirely, and accepted an “out-of-court settlement” from the suspects—none of which was shared with her. Dr. Kamira had already paid Lapyem significant sums, including $5000 for case-related expenses, only to discover that her trust had been exploited.
Further compounding the betrayal, Lapyem allegedly attempted to hijack Dr. Kamira’s vision by registering her nonprofit, Exutory Foundation Limited, in his own name at the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB). Dr. Kamira’s refusal to sign the documents halted the scheme, but not before exposing Lapyem’s audacity. Despite receiving funds for the registration process, he allegedly failed to submit a single shilling to URSB, further evidencing his intent to defraud.
A Pattern of Deception
Lapyem’s alleged misconduct extends beyond Dr. Kamira’s case. He has been accused of falsely claiming connections to high-profile figures, including Lt. Gen. Charles Otema Awany, Commander of Reserve Forces, to bolster his credibility and solicit funds. Sources confirm that Gen. Otema Awany has never authorized Lapyem to act on his behalf, making such name-dropping both fraudulent and disrespectful to Uganda’s institutions.
In another instance, Lapyem reportedly accused Crown Bus Company of stealing UGX 30 million, claiming a conductor took the money during transit. Investigations by the company found no evidence to support this claim, suggesting it may have been a ploy to deflect attention from his mounting controversies.
Lapyem’s history also includes political maneuvering. In 2022, as Gulu University Guild President, he was impeached for alleged corruption, insubordination, and misconduct, with the Guild Representative Council stripping him of his powers. More recently, he allegedly accepted payment from Tonny Awany to abandon his parliamentary ambitions for Nwoya County in the 2026–2031 elections, raising concerns about political manipulation.
A Call for Accountability
The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has received a formal complaint against Lapyem, detailing his impersonation of a lawyer, fraudulent collection of funds, misuse of personal and corporate information, and threatening behavior toward victims. The petition demands an immediate investigation and disciplinary action, urging the Uganda Police and the Director of Public Prosecutions to open a criminal case.
Dr. Kamira, whose case has drawn significant attention, has called for a thorough investigation by OWC, the Uganda Police率先
System: Police Force, and national security agencies. “This is not just about me,” she stated, emphasizing the broader implications for Uganda’s investment climate and justice system. Her case, registered as CRB 308/2025 at Gulu Central Police Station, has led to the arrest of one suspect, Asaph Nahurira, though others remain at large.
Protecting Uganda’s Future
Lapyem’s alleged actions—impersonating a lawyer, hijacking legal cases, exploiting victims, and misusing influential names—paint a troubling picture of a system vulnerable to exploitation. His threats against Dr. Kamira, including a baseless demand notice for additional payments, underscore a lack of remorse and a brazen disregard for accountability.
The Nile Post urges anyone who has been defrauded, misled, or threatened by Thomas Lapyem Awany to report to the Uganda Law Society at Plot 5A, Acacia Avenue, Kololo, or via email at uls@uls.or.ug. Uganda’s institutions must act decisively to protect citizens from such predators, ensuring that justice is not only served but seen to be served.
As Uganda approaches the 2026 elections, the case of Thomas Lapyem Awany serves as a stark reminder: fraudsters who prey on trust undermine not just individuals but the nation’s integrity. The time for action is now—before more futures are stolen.
