By Ben Musanje
A month into the life of Uganda’s 12th Parliament, some newly elected Members of Parliament are still finding their footing in Kampala despite spending nearly a week at an induction retreat at Speke Resort Munyonyo.
One legislator has now learned a costly lesson after allegedly being conned out of Shs60 million by a woman who claimed to be an official from the Office of the President.
The case was revealed on Monday by Police Spokesperson ACP Kituuma Rusoke during a press briefing at Police Headquarters in Naguru, where he cautioned both public officials and ordinary citizens against fraudsters impersonating senior government officials.
According to ACP Rusoke, the suspect, a resident of Kamukuzi in Mbarara City, allegedly posed as a staff member attached to the Office of the President and used that claim to win the confidence of the MP.
Police said the alleged scam began around June 2025 and continued for several months, with meetings held at different locations across Kampala. The identity of the legislator has been withheld as investigations continue.
ACP Rusoke said the suspect convinced the MP that she could facilitate the delivery of government services and development projects to the legislator’s constituency. To support her claims, she allegedly fabricated a convincing story, persuading the MP that financial contributions were required to process and fast-track the interventions.
As a result, the legislator reportedly handed over Shs60 million.
The MP only became suspicious after the promised services failed to materialize and subsequently reported the matter to police. Detectives opened a General Inquiry File (GIF), launched investigations, and later arrested the suspect.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the money was allegedly solicited under the guise of facilitating government programmes earmarked for selected districts.
Police also believe the MP may not have been the only victim.
“There might be more victims than the honourable Member of Parliament,” ACP Rusoke said, urging anyone who may have fallen victim to similar schemes to come forward and cooperate with investigators.
Using the case as a warning, ACP Rusoke advised members of the public, government officials and other influential individuals to verify any requests for money purportedly made on behalf of the President or the Office of the President.
He stressed that anyone claiming to represent the President should be verified through official government channels before any financial transaction is made.
“If somebody purports to be speaking, soliciting or transacting on behalf of the President, there are several offices and officials within the Office of the President who can verify such claims,” he said.
ACP Rusoke noted that fraudsters frequently exploit the names of high-ranking government offices to gain credibility and deceive unsuspecting victims.
Police said they highlighted the case during Monday’s briefing to raise public awareness about the growing trend of impersonation and financial fraud targeting both ordinary citizens and senior public officials.
Investigations are ongoing to establish whether more people were defrauded through the same scheme and whether additional suspects were involved. Police have urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious requests involving government offices or senior officials to the nearest police station for verification and appropriate action. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
