KAMPALA – The Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) has summoned officials of Agora Centre for Research to record statements as part of investigations into alleged fraud and money laundering involving the organisation.
According to a letter dated June 24, 2026, signed by Kampala Metropolitan North Regional CID Officer SP Naluzze Rashida, Agather Atuhaire, an account signatory for Agora Centre for Research Ltd, has been directed to appear before investigators at the KMP North Regional Headquarters in Kawempe on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.
The letter states that CID is investigating “a case of suspected Fraud and Money Laundering involving AGORA Centre for Research Ltd” and requests Atuhaire to report for “interview and statement recording in relation to the matter under investigation.”
In a statement issued on Thursday, Agora confirmed that both current and former members of staff had received summons from CID over the allegations.
“Yesterday, current and former members of staff of Agora Center for Research received summons from the CID over allegations of fraud and money laundering,” the organisation said.
Agora said the latest development follows action taken earlier this year by the Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA).
“This follows the suspension of our organisation’s activities and the freezing of its accounts by the Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA) in January 2026. Over two months ago, we submitted information and documentation relating to our activities in response to inquiries from the Authority, but we have not received any feedback,” the statement reads.
While pledging to cooperate with investigators, the organisation questioned the motive behind the investigations.
“While we will cooperate fully with lawful processes, we are deeply concerned that these investigations are being used to intimidate and silence a civil society organization whose work has focused on exposing corruption, advancing accountability, and promoting human rights,” Agora stated.
The organisation further argued that the case reflects a broader pattern affecting civil society organisations in Uganda.
“This is not the first time civil society organizations in Uganda have faced criminal investigations while undertaking legitimate public interest work,” the statement added.
Agora maintained that it would continue pursuing its mission despite the investigations.
“Our commitment to shining a torch on corruption, human rights violations, and systemic injustice in Uganda remains unwavering,” the organisation said.
Commenting on the summons, journalist and Agora official Agather Atuhaire welcomed the fact that the authorities had issued a formal legal invitation rather than carrying out arrests.
“I guess we should be grateful that a whole army didn’t come to raid our homes and disappeared us for days but we were decently summoned to answer whatever questions they have. That means the authorities didn’t forget what the law requires… so we hope this is how every Ugandan will be treated going forward,” Atuhaire posted on X.
Neither the Criminal Investigations Directorate nor the Financial Intelligence Authority had publicly responded to Agora’s claims at the time of publication, and the police have not released further details regarding the specific allegations under investigation.
The matter remains under investigation.
