A suspected fraudster was Tuesday evening arrested in a covert operation supported by Police for allegedly fleecing members of the public of their money.
Authorities say Richard Kalema impersonated officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport (MoWT), promising to facilitate motor vehicle ownership transfers, registrations, and acquisition of number plates.
The suspect has since been taken to Jinja Road Police Station for further action. Investigators believe Kalema is a ringleader in a broader criminal network.
In response, the Ministry of Works and Transport issued a public warning urging citizens to exercise caution when seeking services at official Motor Vehicle Registration Offices in Nakawa. Key guidance includes:
- Deal only with authorized Ministry staff seated at designated service desks.
- Verify the identification of staff before conducting any transactions.
- Avoid engaging agents, middlemen, or individuals operating outside official offices.
- Do not make payments to personal accounts or informal channels.
“Working jointly with the Uganda Police Force, we will intensify enforcement operations to dismantle criminal networks targeting citizens seeking government services,” said Bageya Waiswa, Permanent Secretary of MoWT.
The Ministry also encouraged members of the public to report suspicious individuals either to the Police or directly to the Motor Vehicle Registration Office via phone at 0200 420000 or by email at [email protected].
The arrest highlights ongoing risks for citizens navigating government services and reinforces the Ministry’s commitment to protecting the public from fraudulent activities.