Police in Mpondwe-Lhubiriha Town Council, Kasese District, have arrested a 35-year-old businessman for allegedly impersonating an official of the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and unlawfully collecting money from members of the public.
The suspect, identified as Muhammad Bwambale, a resident of Kyambogho I Cell in Mpondwe-Lhubiriha Town Council, was arrested on June 15, 2026, after he was reportedly found dressed in a URA uniform and presenting himself as a tax official.
According to police, Bwambale was apprehended at around 6:30 p.m. in Kabuyiri Cell while allegedly soliciting money from residents under the guise of carrying out official URA duties.
Rwenzori East Regional Police spokesperson ASP Elly Maate confirmed the arrest and said investigations into the matter are ongoing.
“The territorial police in Mpondwe Division have in custody a 35-year-old businessman identified as Bwambale Muhammad, a resident of Kyambogho I Cell, Mpondwe-Lhubiriha Town Council, for allegedly impersonating a URA official whereas not,” Maate said.
Police said the suspect's actions raised suspicion among members of the community, prompting his arrest and detention at Mpondwe Police Station.
“It is alleged that on June 15, 2026, at about 6:30 p.m., at Kabuyiri Cell, Mpondwe-Lhubiriha Town Council, the suspect was found dressed in a URA uniform and collecting money from people while claiming to be a URA official, whereas not,” Maate explained.
Authorities have cautioned members of the public against making payments to individuals whose identities and official mandates have not been verified.
Maate said inquiries into the case are still underway and that the suspect will be arraigned before court upon completion of investigations.
“Inquiries are underway, upon completion of which he will be produced before the court of law to answer charges accordingly,” he said.
The arrest comes amid growing concerns about cases of impersonation involving individuals who allegedly exploit unsuspecting members of the public by falsely claiming to represent government agencies.
Police have urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals claiming to act on behalf of government institutions without proper identification or authorisation.