Internal Affairs warns con man faking accident injuries for money

In the latest reporting, the alleged con man, "Wilson Okello", was covered as an accident victim admitted to Iganga Hospital "in deep pain and little care".

KAMPALA | The Ministry of Internal Affairs has warned the public to watch out for a swindler who exploits the confidence of his victim by faking injuries whilst identifying as an employee of the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control.

In the latest reporting, the alleged con man identifying as "Wilson Okello", was covered as an accident victim admitted to Iganga Hospital "in deep pain and little care".

"This is Okello Wilson, works in Internal Affairs Ministry/Migrations department, had an accident around Nakalama," the post, complete with a picture of the alleged con man seemingly in distress on a gurney, said.

But in a statement released on February 26, internal affairs said "Okello" is not affiliated with the ministry.

"Preliminary investigations revealed him to be a con artist, thief, and fraudster," Simon Peter Mundeyi, the ministry's spokesperson, said.

He said "Okello" often "appears vulnerable" and feigns internal injuries to gain sympathy and steal from unsuspecting victims, particularly in hospital settings.

It remains unclear how the alleged con man earns from his confidence or why he chose to identify with Immigration but Mudeyi's statement left little doubt about his character.

After the distress post circulated on social media, the Ministry of Internal Affairs sent its staff to call on "Okello". But the "injured" man, sensing his cover was about to be blown, excused himself to go to the washrooms.

"He vanished without a trace," Mundeyi said.

The ministry is now investigating the possibility that "Okello" has been involved in more sinister activities that could bring its name into disrepute.

Mundeyi, who said the ministry would provide assistance if "Okello" is genuinely in need, urged the public to volunteer information about his whereabouts.