Police have launched an investigation into a criminal network of suspected fraudsters posing as pastors by day and traditional healers by night, allegedly swindling unsuspecting Ugandans out of millions of shillings.
Preliminary police investigations indicate that the suspects lured victims with fabricated testimonies and staged “miraculous healings.” Their places of worship reportedly doubled as traditional shrines, where elaborate rituals were used to extort cash and property from clients.
Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Spokesperson, Luke Owoyesigire, said on Thursday that the gang operated in Kiijo Village, Nabale Ward, Nakifuma Nagalama Town Council, and Nanfumba Village, Mayangayanga Parish, Kimenyedde Sub County in Mukono District.
“The suspects advertised on various radio stations, claiming they could cure ailments and promise financial blessings. They provided contact numbers for consultations, targeting unsuspecting victims,” Owoyesigire said.
Victims were reportedly invited to rented properties in Kampala under the guise of healing sessions. During these sessions, they were persuaded to hand over cash and valuables. Some were later directed to remote locations in Kiijo or Nanfumba, where they were allegedly ambushed, assaulted, and further robbed.
Investigators revealed that the suspects often convinced victims to carry large sums of money for so-called blessing or business exchange rituals, promising to convert Ugandan Shillings into U.S. Dollars.
Three individuals—Ali Kakumba (aka Dalausi and Dr. Lubwama), Nasser Kijjoma, and Michael Walusimbi—have been arrested in connection with the alleged scams. Police report that the suspects confessed to participating in multiple fraudulent schemes. Searches of their homes recovered mobile phones, SIM cards, land sale agreements, and other items used in the operations.
Many victims reported being threatened or intimidated when they sought refunds for promised blessings, financial breakthroughs, or healing that never materialized. “Some victims were harassed into silence after realizing they had been conned,” Owoyesigire said.
Police have urged the public to exercise caution and verify the credentials of individuals offering spiritual or healing services. Investigations are ongoing, and authorities have promised to bring the suspects to justice.