In Summary: The Uganda Tourism Board reportedly withdrew Tubale Safaris’ operating licence on July 21, 2026, but the operator allegedly continued receiving bookings and payments. Police are appealing to other potential victims to come forward with evidence.
Jinja, Uganda — Police have taken Tusubira Annet, the proprietor and operator of Tubale Safaris, to court over allegations that she obtained money from foreign tourists through safari bookings that were allegedly never delivered.
According to Police spokesperson ACP Rusoke Kituuma, Tusubira was arrested on October 30, 2026, by officers from Jinja Central Police Station following complaints that she received payments for safari arrangements but failed to provide the agreed services.
She was taken to court on November 2, 2026, over allegations of obtaining money by false pretences.
Police say the bookings were made through the company’s website, email and WhatsApp, with investigators handling complaints from tourists who allegedly lost money after making payments.
The reported transactions include approximately US$12,000 allegedly obtained from a foreign tourist on July 18, 2026. The complaint was reported to Masindi Police Station. In another case, Tusubira allegedly received US$8,400 from a British tourist on July 31, 2026. The matter was reported to Entebbe Central Police Station.
Police are also investigating a complaint involving US$12,966 allegedly obtained from an American couple on August 19, 2026. The case was reported to Pakwach Police Station.
A fourth transaction involved US$6,228 allegedly received on October 30, 2026, in a complaint reported to police in Entebbe.
The four reported amounts total approximately US$39,594, raising concerns about the alleged targeting of international visitors seeking safari and tourism services in Uganda.
Police say information available to investigators indicates that the Uganda Tourism Board withdrew Tubaale Safaris’ operating licence on July 21, 2026. However, the operator allegedly continued accepting bookings and payments after the withdrawal.
The reported transactions include payments allegedly received after the licence withdrawal, including the August 19 and October 30 complaints.
The circumstances surrounding the continued operation of the business, the payments received and the alleged failure to provide the agreed safari services are part of the matters under investigation.
Police have urged anyone who may have lost money through dealings with Tubaale Safaris to report to Jinja Central Police Station or the nearest police station.
In an advisory to tourists and members of the public, police have urged travellers to verify the current licensing status of safari operators with the Uganda Tourism Board before making bookings or payments.
Tourists have also been advised to ensure that the business name appearing on booking documents matches the operator’s licensing details and to seek clarification where payment accounts carry different names.
Police further recommend obtaining written itineraries, clear cost breakdowns, payment terms and cancellation or refund conditions before committing money.
Travellers are also encouraged to use traceable payment methods, retain transaction references and receipts, and independently verify operators’ contact details rather than relying exclusively on websites, social media accounts or WhatsApp conversations.
Those who suspect fraud have been advised to report promptly to the nearest police station, the Uganda Tourism Board or the Police Tourism Unit.
ACP Rusoke Kituuma said contacts for Police Tourism Commanders are also available through the Uganda Tourism Board website.
The investigation comes as police seek to establish the full extent of the alleged transactions and identify other tourists who may have been affected.
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