By Ben Musanje
A routine security screening at Pastor Tom Mugerwa’s church in Mutundwe has led to the arrest of a man accused of disguising himself as a woman, exposing what police believe could be a calculated scheme involving impersonation and theft.
The suspect, identified by police as Rayan Kayaga, was apprehended by Mutundwe Church Fellowship security personnel before a church service after they became suspicious during routine security checks. His arrest later triggered investigations that uncovered allegations that he had been masquerading as a female domestic worker under the name Rukia Namirembe.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson SP Racheal Kawala, the suspect had allegedly secured employment as a housemaid in Mutundwe after presenting himself as a woman. Police say preliminary investigations indicate he disguised himself to gain the trust of employers before allegedly stealing from them.
“During interrogation, the suspect reportedly admitted to disguising himself as a female domestic worker with the intention of stealing from employers. This forms part of the ongoing investigations,” Kawala said.
Police further allege that the suspect stole UGX 1.7 million from his employers shortly before he was arrested at the church.
The incident has drawn public attention after Dr. Joel Mirembe, the National Unity Platform (NUP) National Executive Committee Secretary for Professionals and former Secretary General of the Uganda Medical Association, revealed that the suspect had spent 12 days in his family’s home while posing as a probationary female housemaid.
Dr. Mirembe said what initially appeared to be a routine recruitment exercise gradually raised suspicion after the individual gave conflicting personal information, used multiple names and concealed his appearance with clothing and a face veil.
“Our greatest concern is not simply the false identity itself, but the potential security implications,” Dr. Mirembe said in a close interview, warning that the suspect had gained access to family routines, the home’s layout and security arrangements.
The former Mawokota South Parliamentary contestant 2021 added that the deception could have exposed his family to risks including theft, child abuse, burglary, robbery or other organised criminal activities, although investigators are yet to establish the suspect’s full intentions.
According to Dr. Mirembe, the suspect used several identities including Lukia Namirembe, Maureen Namirembe, Reagan Namirembe, while an ATM card recovered after the arrest reportedly bore the name Willy Magala. Police are investigating the various identities.
Dr. Mirembe also disclosed that preliminary inquiries suggest the suspect may have previously been arrested in Gulu and had provided conflicting accounts about his place of origin, at different times claiming to come from Lwengo, Masaka, Ggoli in Mawokota and Elegu in Amuru district Northern Uganda.
Further inquiries reportedly led investigators to a man identified as Phillip Kantuluza, who claimed to be the suspect’s father. According to Dr. Mirembe, Kantuluza identified the suspect as Reagan Kagayi, born in April 2002, and disputed several claims allegedly made by the suspect regarding his background.
Investigations have also extended to the recruitment process after it emerged that the domestic worker had allegedly been referred through intermediaries, including a man only identified as Kakooza, who is reportedly being investigated following claims that he operates as a traditional healer in Kitemu.
Police have cautioned that investigations into all these claims are still ongoing.
The case is registered at Nateete Police Station under Case File Reference No. 83/08/07/2026.
Meanwhile, police have urged the public to thoroughly verify the identities, backgrounds and references of domestic workers and other household employees before offering them employment.
The suspect remains in police custody and is expected to be arraigned in court upon completion of investigations. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
