A sophisticated cyberattack has resulted in the theft of 62 billion Ugandan shillings (about $16.8 million) from the Bank of Uganda, according to a report by the state-owned New Vision newspaper.

The cyberattack, which occurred earlier this month, was carried out by a hacking group identifying themselves as “Waste,” reportedly from Southeast Asia.

The hackers managed to infiltrate the bank’s IT systems and illicitly transfer a significant sum, part of which was traced to Japan, according to sources within the bank cited by New Vision.

READ MORE: PICTORIAL: Macron Welcomes Tinubu In Historic State Visit To France

Despite the magnitude of the breach, the central bank has successfully recovered more than half of the stolen funds.

The Bank of Uganda and the Ugandan police have yet to provide official comments on the incident.

However, President Yoweri Museveni has ordered a thorough investigation into the matter, as revealed by New Vision.

In a separate report, Uganda’s largest independent newspaper, Daily Monitor, suggested that the theft might have involved collusion by insiders, raising further concerns about the bank’s internal security protocols.

Cyberattacks on financial institutions in Uganda are not uncommon, with previous incidents targeting banks and telecom firms.

However, many financial institutions are reluctant to publicly disclose such breaches, fearing potential damage to their reputations and loss of customer trust.

Members of President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration have been targeted by a series of threats, including bomb alerts and hoax emergency calls, the transition team revealed on Wednesday.

Karoline Leavitt, a spokeswoman for Trump’s team, confirmed the incidents, describing them as “violent, un-American threats” against the nominees and their families.

“Last night and this morning, several of President Trump’s Cabinet nominees and administration appointees were targeted in threats to their lives and those who live with them,” she said.

READ MORE: NDLEA Relocates Headquarters To New Facility In Abuja

The incidents include bomb threats and “swatting,” a hoax tactic where false emergency reports prompt an urgent police response to an unsuspecting person’s residence.

One of the confirmed targets was Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, nominated to serve as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Stefanik disclosed that her New York home was targeted in a bomb threat while she, her husband, and their young son were traveling home for Thanksgiving.

“We were alerted to the threat while driving back from Washington,” she said in a statement.

The FBI is now investigating the threats, which it says are part of a broader pattern. “We are aware of numerous bomb threats and swatting incidents,” the agency stated. “We take all potential threats seriously.”

These developments come as Trump prepares to assume office in January, building a cabinet largely composed of loyal allies.

The president-elect’s team has faced criticism over the experience levels of some appointees, as well as heightened tensions over Trump’s return to power.

The threats also follow a dramatic assassination attempt on Trump in July, during which he was wounded in the ear.

Despite legal battles related to efforts to overturn the 2020 election, Trump remains on track to resume leadership in a polarized political climate.

Rescuers have recovered four bodies and rescued four survivors a day after a diving boat capsized off Egypt’s eastern coast, leaving eight people still missing.

The “Sea Story” vessel, which was carrying 31 tourists and 13 crew members, was struck by a large wave early Monday morning near Marsa Alam in southeastern Egypt, causing it to sink within minutes.

Among the survivors were two Belgians, one Swiss national, and one Egyptian, Red Sea governor Amr Hanafi confirmed.

The total number of survivors from the tragedy now stands at 32, while authorities continue to search for the missing passengers. The identities of the four deceased have not yet been disclosed.

Related News: JUST IN: 17 Feared Missing After Tourist Boat Sank In Egypt’s Red Sea

Rescue operations are still ongoing, with a military helicopter, a frigate, and multiple divers supporting the efforts.

The boat had set out on a multi-day diving trip on Sunday and was scheduled to dock in Hurghada on Friday, 200 kilometers to the north.

When the wave struck, it left some passengers, including Europeans, Americans, and Chinese tourists, trapped in their cabins.

Military personnel, along with a passing tourist boat, rescued 28 people from the water on Monday.

Six tourists and three Egyptians were taken to a local hospital for minor injuries but were discharged later that day. The injured included nationals from Germany, Britain, Spain, and Switzerland.

The boat was carrying tourists from various countries, including Belgium, the United States, China, Finland, Poland, Spain, and others.

The missing individuals include two Polish and two Finnish nationals, according to their respective governments.

Initial investigations confirmed that the boat was fully licensed and had passed all safety checks prior to the trip, with no technical faults identified.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the capsizing, but early reports indicate that the large wave may have been a major contributing factor.

While the Red Sea remains a popular destination for tourists, this tragic accident has drawn attention to safety concerns in the region.

Despite robust regulations, incidents involving dive boats are not uncommon.

Earlier this year, similar accidents occurred in the region, though no fatalities were reported.