The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has arrested a suspect accused of forging official receipts and defrauding members of the public while posing as an agent handling environmental compliance.
According to NEMA, preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect produced counterfeit receipts and collected money from unsuspecting victims under the guise of facilitating environmental approvals and inspections.
Documents recovered from the suspect reportedly include fake company letterheads, irregular signatures, and inflated payment demands—some running into hundreds of millions of shillings.
Naomi N. Karekaho, the Head of Corporate Communications at NEMA, confirmed that the suspect is currently detained at Kyegegwa Police Post and will be charged in accordance with the law.
The authority is working closely with the Uganda Police Force to ensure appropriate legal action is taken.
NEMA has cautioned the public to remain vigilant against similar fraudulent schemes, stressing that it does not authorise individuals to collect cash payments on its behalf for environmental inspections, approvals, or related services.
“All official payments are made through recognised bank channels and government systems, and any legitimate receipt can be verified through NEMA offices,” the authority said in a statement.
Members of the public are advised to verify the identity of anyone claiming to represent NEMA or its partners, confirm payment requests through official channels, and report any suspicious activities to NEMA or the nearest police station.