The Ministry of Internal Affairs, in collaboration with intelligence and investigative agencies, has intensified efforts to apprehend two suspected fraudsters involved in a large-scale job scam that has defrauded Ugandans of UGX 934 million.
The scam targeted individuals seeking employment opportunities in Israel, leaving at least 43 victims devastated after being misled into paying substantial sums of money for non-existent jobs.
The suspects, identified as Jackline Mbulateire and Andrew Sekimuli, allegedly operated a fraudulent online tours and travel company, Akia Guest Tours Limited, which purported to offer job placement services for the Israeli government and other European countries. However, the company has been exposed as a front for their illegal activities.
Each of the 43 victims was defrauded of UGX 22 million, with promises of well-paying jobs in Israel earning up to UGX 22 million per month. After making the required payments, the victims lost contact with the fraudsters, who disappeared.
Investigations reveal that Akia Guest Tours Ltd was supposedly based near Lubaga Cathedral in Kampala, but crime intelligence officers and detectives have been unable to locate the company’s premises despite exhaustive searches.
Simon Peter Mundeyi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Internal Affairs, confirmed that security agencies are fully engaged in the search for Mbulateire and Sekimuli. The victims, distraught by their losses, turned to the ministry for assistance in recovering their money.
In response, the ministry has circulated the suspects’ photographs across all security systems to ensure their apprehension and prevent them from escaping the country.
Further investigation revealed that Andrew Sekimuli recently acquired a U.S. visa, raising concerns that he may be planning to flee Uganda. Security agencies are on high alert, taking all necessary measures to prevent the suspects from evading justice.
This scam is part of a growing trend of fraudulent schemes capitalizing on the ongoing conflict in Gaza, targeting young individuals with promises of employment as fighters or in professional roles.
Similar scams emerged during the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022, with many Ugandans falling victim.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs urges the public to exercise caution when approached with job offers that seem too good to be true, particularly those requiring large upfront payments.
Authorities are working to bring the perpetrators to justice and recover the stolen funds, emphasizing the importance of public awareness in preventing future scams.”