Kamuli, Uganda: Police in Kamuli District have arrested five suspects accused of running a fake poverty eradication scheme that extorted money from unsuspecting residents with promises of free livestock and solar kits.
The suspects were picked up Wednesday, April 15, 2026, by officers from Namwendwa Police Station following complaints from residents in Kyeeya Village, Namwendwa Sub-county.
They have been identified as Mugerwa Moses, a director and resident of Mpererwe; Mukisa Sylvia, a trainee from Kiyunga-Mukono; Alex Tumwine, a marketer from Rakai; Nanteza Hafiswa, a marketer from Salama; and Kibowa Hasadi, a supervisor from Masanafu.
Police say the group allegedly posed as agents of a company identified as Germany Premier International Co. Ltd, convincing villagers that they were implementing a government-backed poverty eradication programme.
Victims were reportedly asked to pay between Shs160,000 and Shs200,000 as a “commitment fee” to access promised benefits including solar kits, goats, poultry, and cattle.
Nabirye Kevina Katangula, a resident of Kyeeya Village, said the suspects exploited community trust by presenting the scheme as legitimate government support.
“They told us this was a programme to help people get free items for poverty eradication, but we had to first pay a commitment fee. It sounded genuine at first, but it turned out to be a scam,” she said.
Several victims expressed frustration after losing money, though many welcomed the swift police intervention.
Namwendwa LCIII Chairperson Mugweri Pius confirmed the arrests and urged residents to remain vigilant against fraudulent schemes targeting vulnerable communities.
“It is unfortunate that some individuals exploit people’s hopes for a better life. We urge residents to report suspicious activities to authorities immediately,” Pius said.
He commended police for acting quickly, adding that the suspects will face the full force of the law.
Scam targeted vulnerable households
Preliminary investigations indicate the scheme had been running for several weeks, targeting rural households seeking economic support.
Authorities have cautioned the public to verify the authenticity of any organisation or programme offering financial or material assistance, stressing that legitimate government or NGO initiatives do not require upfront payments.
The company cited by the suspects has not issued any official statement, and it remains unclear whether it is linked to the fraud.
Police say investigations are ongoing to establish the full scale of the operation and identify possible accomplices.
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