What has happened to Sylvia Owori?
Uganda Police have intensified their manhunt for Ms. Sylvia Owori, the Director of Operations at Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), following serious allegations of her involvement in a fraudulent scheme that has reportedly defrauded a Ugandan American investor, Ms. Gloria Kamira Lukalu, of over $21,000 (UGX 80 million). The case, now escalated with the discovery of a Uganda police force warrant dated June 19, 2025, from Gulu Central Police Station, has raised significant concerns about the misuse of state-affiliated programs and the safety of diaspora investors. This detailed report unpacks the unfolding events, drawing from official documents and the claimant’s account.
The Emergence of a Police Warrant
Recent investigations led to the uncovering of a police warrant issued on June 19, 2025, by Gulu Central Police Station, targeting Ms. Sylvia Owori. The warrant, a critical development in the case registered as CRB 308/2025, authorizes law enforcement to locate and apprehend Ms. Owori, who has failed to respond to an earlier summons dated June 16, 2025. The summons, addressed to Ms./Mrs./Dr. Hon. Owori Sylvia, required her to report to the station by June 23, 2025, under Section 27A of the Police Act, which empowers police to summon individuals believed to possess relevant information or documents related to an ongoing investigation. Her absence has prompted the issuance of the warrant, signaling a formal escalation in the pursuit of justice.
The Alleged Fraud Unraveled
The allegations stem from the account of Ms. Gloria Kamira Lukalu, a tech entrepreneur and founder of Exutory (USA), who returned to Uganda earlier this year with ambitions to invest in youth innovation hubs and support government development initiatives, including those under OWC. According to Ms. Kamira, her journey took a distressing turn when she encountered a network of individuals claiming close ties to high-ranking military and political figures. She stated, “I was initially approached by Mr. Eddie Ssebandeke Kiyimba, who offered assistance in acquiring office space and later connected me to Deborah R., an aspiring Member of Parliament for Lyantonde.”
Ms. Kamira further alleged that this network expanded to include Asaph Nahurira Mulindwa, who “posed as a police officer with connections to Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.” She claimed, “I was persuaded to finance the MK Birthday Run under the promise of networking opportunities with influential figures. Upon arriving, I found no officials present, yet faced continuous financial demands.” The situation escalated, according to Ms. Kamira, when she was introduced to Ms. Sylvia Owori, who “promised a private meeting with Gen. Salim Saleh in Gulu if I paid additional facilitation funds.”
Trusting these assurances, Ms. Kamira said she “transferred money to Mr. Edison Kirabira, identified as OWC’s Kampala Metropolitan Civil Coordinator, and funded my own business-class travel and logistics to Gulu.” Upon arrival, she discovered that Gen. Saleh was away on duty in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and no meeting was scheduled. She added, “My personal belongings were stolen, and I faced threats when I began demanding accountability for the funds and the unfulfilled promises.”
Police Action and Current Status
The case was formally registered with Gulu Central Police Station under SD No. 75/10/05/2025, later upgraded to CRB 308/2025. Police have made an initial arrest, detaining Asaph Nahurira Mulindwa, but Ms. Owori, Mr. Kirabira, and Mr. Ssebandeke remain at large. The newly discovered warrant underscores the urgency of the investigation, with authorities now empowered to take decisive action to bring the suspects into custody. Ms. Kamira, who has been placed under police protection due to ongoing threats, continues to cooperate with investigators as they piece together the full scope of the fraud.
Implications and Broader Concerns
The involvement of a senior OWC official like Ms. Owori has sparked widespread concern about the integrity of government programs. A report by Richard Onencan Apil of the Center for Policy Research and Governance, addressed to Gen. Salim Saleh, highlights the reputational damage to OWC and the potential chilling effect on diaspora and international investors. The report notes, “Fraudsters may be exploiting perceived affiliations with OWC and military command to extort and intimidate, a trend that could undermine Uganda’s credibility as a safe investment destination.”
Public and civil society reactions have been swift, with calls for OWC to issue a public statement disassociating itself from the accused individuals and reaffirming its commitment to transparency. The silence from OWC’s leadership, particularly Gen. Saleh, has fueled speculation and criticism, with governance analysts warning of long-term consequences if swift action is not taken.
A Call for Accountability
This case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by investors, especially those from the diaspora, who return home with goodwill and capital. The Center for Policy Research and Governance has recommended a series of measures, including an internal inquiry within OWC, collaboration with police to expedite prosecutions, and the establishment of a Diaspora Investor Dialogue Forum to restore confidence. Additionally, there are calls for temporary security guarantees for Ms. Kamira and her children, as well as pathways for restitution through legal means.
Looking Ahead
As the investigation progresses, the focus remains on locating Ms. Owori and her alleged accomplices. The Uganda Police have urged the public to provide any credible information on their whereabouts, directing individuals to contact the Criminal Investigations Directorate or the nearest police station. This developing story highlights the need for robust oversight within state institutions and a renewed commitment to protecting investors who seek to contribute to Uganda’s development.
Further updates will be provided as new information emerges, with the hope that justice will prevail for Ms. Kamira and others who may have been similarly affected.
