Local NGO Reach A Hand Uganda (RAHU) has come under increased scrutiny over the past three days following a police search of its headquarters and arrest of the CEO.
On Saturday, Police stormed the RAHU offices in Kansanga, a Kampala suburb and conducted a search on allegations that the group is laundering money and supporting subversive activities, charges if when proven can attract longtime jail sentences under Ugandan law.
The Uganda Police Special Investigations Division conducted a formal search of our offices in Kansanga today with a search warrant signed by the Chief Magistrate of the Makindye Court. As @reachahand, we are committed to cooperating fully with authorities,” a statement from RAHU said.
The RAHU boss, Humphrey Nabimanya was briefly taken to the Special Investigations Division (SID) in Kireka for more questioning before being released later.
READ ALSO: RAHU Boss Humphrey Nabimanya Detained Over ‘Money Laundering & Subversive Activities’ Charges
During the search, police took with it material from the RAHU offices to help in their investigations.
Now, a local news website is reporting that it is not the first time the organisation has been mirred in money related issues.
Quoting sources at the RAHU offices, the website claims that last year, a group of donors ordered an audit after expenditure on funds by the group was not satisfying.
RAHU, which was started by Humphrey, runs on donor funds. Its message on Sexual reproductive health and rights has attracted a number of US based donors who largely fund RAHU activities.
Analysts believe the latest scandal has put the group and that there will be more public scrutiny on how it operates and the vision that guides it, although the organisation has promised full cooperation with authorities as investigations go on.