Police in Buyende have arrested a suspect over impersonation of an army officer and scamming residents.
According to ASP Micheal Kasadha, the Busoga North Police Spokesperson, the suspect identified as Eunice Keinembabazi has been masquerading as a UPDF officer at the rank of Colonel.
Kasadha said that Keinembabazi was arrested on February 1, 2023 following reports from the Cpt. Jacob Katumba, the Commander of Fisheries Protection Unit and several complaints raised by the members of public about the misconduct of some security officers.
Kasadha added that the suspected criminal has been conning people of money which at the time of arrest had scammed a total of Shs15m. She has been operating in areas of Jinja and Buyende with her main target on fishermen that are operating around Lake Kyoga in Buyende District.
Police preliminary information indicates that Keinembabazi would call the Fisheries Protection Unit commanders introducing herself as Col Mbabazi and ordering for the release of suspects whenever an operation against illegal fishing is conducted.
“On Wednesday, she called one of the officers asking him to release the illegal boats that had been impounded. She was asked to follow up the matter up to the army detachment. On arrival, she was asked to identify herself, which she did, by masquerading as a UPDF officer. When she was asked to produce her identity card, she broke down and revealed how she was just a civilian,” Kasadha said.
ASP Kasadha revealed that after her arrest, a phone and house check were carried out where photos of her dressed in UPDF uniform were recovered from her phone and residence.
Keinembabazi is currently detained at Bukungu Police Station as further investigations are ongoing.
Less than two weeks ago, another imposter was arrested in Namasagali, for allegedly extorting money from fishermen in Namasagali and Kagumba Sub-counties.
