The Chief Magistrate’s Court of Standards, Utilities and Wildlife in Makindye has sentenced a teacher, Ernest Edengel, to three years in prison after he pleaded guilty to 12 counts of fraud and obtaining money by false pretence.
Court heard that between September 2024 and February 2025, Edengel, together with others still at large, used a mobile phone to impersonate former Agule County Member of Parliament, Francis Mukula.
The accused targeted unsuspecting victims in Luweero and Pallisa districts, promising them scholarships and government jobs in exchange for money.
Prosecution told court that Edengel fraudulently obtained Shs1.5 million from Rose Bisika, Shs805,000 from Peter Osilon and Shs455,000 from Daniel Ayek.
Edengel has been on remand since May 6, 2025, a period the court considered before handing down the sentence.
Authorities said investigations are ongoing to trace and arrest the other suspects involved in the scam.
Meanwhile, former MP Francis Mukula has condemned the acts of impersonation, warning members of the public against fraudsters who exploit the names of public figures to deceive victims.
Mukula urged the public to always verify information before sending money and to report suspected cases of fraud to the relevant authorities.
