MAN ARRESTED BY ARUA POLICE IN FRAUD SCHEME TARGETING TEACHERS
The West Nile Regional Police Headquarters is providing an update on a recent incident of obtaining money by false pretense that occurred in Obichako village, Logiri subcounty, Arua district. The case is registered under Arua Vurra district. The facts gathered indicate that on January 16th, 2024 at approximately 1:00pm, a report of obtaining money by fraud and personation, was made at Arua Vurra CPS, by Apio Lillian Tako, a 54 year old headteacher of Logili Girls School in Obichako village, Logiri sub county, Arua district. The report implicated a suspect named Aja Victor Adame, a 43 year old Lugbara self-employed individuals residing in Galuga Bukaya village, Katabi town council in Wakiso district.The incident took place in September 2023, when the suspect visited the office of the headteacher at Logiri Girls Secondary School. The suspect falsely claimed to be a staff member allegedly working for the Hon. Minister of State for Higher Education. He alleged that the Minister had sent him to the school to identify qualified teachers who were not on the payroll and those deserving promotions which was false. The suspect promised that these teachers would be appointed as headteachers, and the top four students in S6 would receive government scholarships for university education.Upon hearing this, the headteacher called for a staff meeting to relay the information. Subsequently, 31 teachers, 3 nurses and 1 lab attendant within the school became victims of the scam. The suspect demanded Ugx 1,000,000 from each victim, promising that their demands would be met by the end of December 2023. The victims, desperate to improve their circumstances, gathered the money from their savings as well as micro-loans and handed it over to the suspect, who used it to enrich himself. However, after receiving the funds, the suspect ceased communication with the head teacher, refusing to answer phone calls and eventually, switched off his mobile phone, number 0784034045, raising suspicious that he had defrauded the teachers. Consequently, the headteacher reported the matter to Arua Vurra Central Police Station, resulting in the registration of a case of obtaining money by false pretense amounting to Ugx 35 million.The police took swift action upon receiving the report. The suspect, Aja Victor Adame, was apprehended and is currently in custody. Statements from the victims and witnesses were recorded and an exhibit of Ugx 2,000,000 was recovered. The investigation into the matter is ongoing as the police seek to gather all necessary evidence.The West Nile Police Headquarters would like to remind the public to exercise caution and be wary of individuals making false promised and engaging in fraudulent activities. We encourage individuals who may have fallen victim to similar scams to come forward and report the incidents to their local police stations. We commend the swift action taken by the headteacher in reporting the incident, which led to the arrest of the suspect. The West Nile Regional Police Headquarters remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents within the region.As w e conclude, the UPF continues to raise awareness about teacher fraud schemes, which occur every year. Teacher Fraud is a farm of exploitation, where perpetrators or conmen, defraud teachers of their hard earned savings, using deceptive means to scam teachers, by posing as persons in a position of trust (such as a Government or Education Officials).The police is committed to protecting our teachers. If you believe you are a victim of fraud or know a teacher who was conned to call the National Operations Command Centre at Police Headquarters on telephone contacts 0800199699, 0707600773 or 0776999136 SCP Enanga FredPolice Spokesperson22nd April 2024 https://www.upf.go.ug/man-arrested-by-arua-police-in-fraud-scheme-targeting-teachers/
News
Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
News
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum