Police in Iganga District have arrested two men accused of impersonating Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) officers and attempting to defraud a parliamentary aspirant using toy pistols.
Derick Mugumira, 30, a truck driver and resident of Bugomba Village in Luuka District, and Wycliffe Walujo, 24, a shopkeeper from Kasokoso Zone, Central Division in Iganga Municipality.
According to ASP Micheal Kasadha, the Regional Police Spokesperson for Busoga East, preliminary investigations indicate that Mugumira approached one of the aspirants for the Iganga Municipality parliamentary seat in October 2025, claiming to be a UPDF captain attached to the Senior Command and Staff College, Kimaka.
“Mugumira convinced the aspirant that he had a specialized team capable of ensuring her victory in the upcoming elections, provided they were financially facilitated,” ASP Kasadha said.
“He demanded an initial payment of Shs 3 million to begin what he termed as ‘operations.’”
The aspirant, however, became suspicious of his claims and reported the matter to police, leading to investigations that exposed the scam.
Police later discovered that Mugumira had fabricated two toy pistols, which he retrieved with the help of his accomplice, Walujo.
On Sunday, November 9, 2025, the duo proceeded to Ntinda Valley Guest House in Iganga Municipality, where they expected to meet the aspirant and receive the payment.
Unknown to them, security operatives had been deployed at the scene and arrested them upon arrival.
Both suspects are currently detained at Iganga Central Police Station as investigations continue. ASP Kasadha said they will be charged with impersonation and related offenses once investigations are complete.
He also cautioned political aspirants and members of the public to remain vigilant and verify the identity of individuals claiming to be linked to security agencies.
“We urge all candidates to confirm the credentials of anyone claiming affiliation with security forces and to report any suspicious individuals to police immediately,” ASP Kasadha advised.