One of the suspects told the political aspirant that he led a special operations team capable of “delivering victory” in the upcoming elections if they were facilitated with Shs 3 million as an initial payment.
Iganga, Uganda: The Police in Busoga East Region have arrested two men in Iganga District accused of masquerading as Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) officers and attempting to extort money from political aspirants under the guise of guaranteeing them victory in the upcoming elections.
Busoga East Police Spokesperson ASP Michael Kasadha identified the suspects as Mugumira Derick, 30, a truck driver and resident of Bugomba Village, Luuka District, and Walujo Wycliffe, 24, a shopkeeper and resident of Kasokoso Zone, Central Division, Iganga Municipality.
According to police, the suspects were found in possession of two toy pistols, which they used to pose as army officers.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that in October 2025, Mugumira approached one of the aspirants for the Iganga Municipality parliamentary seat, claiming to be a UPDF officer at the rank of Captain attached to the Senior Command and Staff College, Kimaka,” ASP Kasadha revealed in a Monday statement.
Suspects Caught in Police Trap
Mugumira reportedly told the political aspirant that he led a special operations team capable of “delivering victory” in the upcoming elections if they were facilitated with Shs 3 million as an initial payment.
However, the targeted aspirant, whose identity has been withheld by police for safety reasons, became suspicious and immediately reported the matter to security authorities. Police operatives then set up a controlled handover operation to trap the suspects.
“On November 9, 2025, Mugumira teamed up with Walujo to pick up the toy pistols before heading to Ntinda Valley Guest House, where they expected to meet the candidate and receive the initial payment,” Kasadha said.
Upon arrival, security operatives swiftly surrounded and arrested the duo, recovering the toy pistols that had been used in their scheme. The suspects are currently detained at Iganga Central Police Station.
Police Warn Political Candidates Against Falling Victim
Police have since opened a case file and launched full investigations to establish the extent of the scam, including whether the suspects had defrauded other political figures.
“Upon completion of investigations, the suspects will be arraigned in court to face appropriate criminal charges,” ASP Kasadha confirmed, urging vigilance among candidates.
He also warned all politicians to remain alert and work closely with law enforcement to report any suspicious individuals claiming to have influence in security circles.
“We advise all candidates to cooperate with police and report anyone posing as a security operative or promising illegal election support. Do not fall victim to conmen,” Kasadha cautioned.
The arrest comes as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2026 general elections, with security agencies on high alert against emerging cases of fraud, impersonation, and vote-related extortion targeting candidates.
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