A cross section of impersonators
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has released a list of individuals accused of impersonating senior security officers, as part of a broader crackdown on fraudsters exploiting the names and ranks of government officials to defraud the public.
The list, unveiled during a media briefing at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs headquarters in Mbuya, Kampala, highlights a growing and sophisticated network of impersonators targeting both Ugandans and foreign investors.
Addressing journalists, acting director of defence public information, Col Chris Magezi, said joint investigations conducted over the past year uncovered at least 18 cases of impersonation between May 2025 and April 2026.
“Joint investigations conducted over the past year show that 18 cases were handled between May 2025 and April 2026, a majority of which have been concluded and forwarded to a court of law for further management,” Magezi said.
Daily occurrence
He added that cases of impersonation are being reported to the army on an almost daily basis, raising concern about the scale and persistence of the crime.
Magezi warned that foreigners with business interests in Uganda are among the biggest victims, often lured into fraudulent deals under the guise of high-level government projects.
“The fraudsters have duped many people into making regrettable investment decisions. They extort, manipulate and blackmail their victims using all manner of threats,” he said.
The army also paraded nine suspects linked to the schemes, describing them as part of a broader network targeting institutions such as the UPDF, the Internal Security Organisation (ISO), and the Uganda Police Force.
Kenyan business man lost Shs 1 billion
Among the suspects is Godfrey Lubowa Ssekidde, who allegedly masqueraded as Maj. Gen. Sam Kiwanuka to defraud a Kenyan businessman of $301,000 (about Shs1 billion). According to Magezi, Ssekidde lured James Karanja, a director of Sidali Limited, into a fictitious procurement deal involving hoes and mosquito nets under what he claimed were special presidential projects.
“He continued to pose as Maj. Gen. Kiwanuka, operating under the Office of the President,” Magezi said, adding that the suspect is currently on remand.
Another suspect, Sgt Dominic Idro, a 51-year-old police officer attached to the Very Important Persons Protection Unit, was arrested in December 2025 for allegedly carrying out illegal arrests and extortion while impersonating operatives from Defence Intelligence and Security (DIS).
Magezi revealed that Idro had been on court bail for aggravated robbery at the time of his arrest.
Investigators say Idro also recruited accomplices, including police constable Zacharius Mitumba, who had been interdicted by the police. Mitumba was arrested later in December 2025 for participating in illegal arrests and extortion while posing as a counter-terrorism operative.
Another alleged accomplice, Don Miles Mugerwa, a driver and computer technician, was arrested in Kisaasi for impersonating an assistant superintendent of police attached to a joint anti-terrorism task force.
The UPDF also named Charles Abwot, a civilian from Kumi district, who was deployed as a soldier on the security detail of Bukedea County MP John Bosco Ikojo despite not being a member of the army.
In a separate case, Levin Kawooya was arrested for recording and sharing videos of himself dressed in UPDF uniform on social media platforms, while Rogers Ssentongo was apprehended in Kayunga district after masquerading as a soldier for nearly three weeks at a local hospital.
UPDF officers impersonating UPDF
Magezi said even some serving personnel have been implicated. He cited the arrest of a UPDF soldier, identified as Odwori from Namayingo district, who allegedly impersonated a senior officer at the rank of Major and is suspected to be part of a criminal gang involved in aggravated robbery since 2022.
Another suspect, Geoffrey Kalele, also known as Bobb Geof, is accused of impersonating several high-ranking officials, including the Minister for Works and Transport, Gen. Katumba Wamala, and other senior UPDF commanders. Investigators say he used these false identities to intimidate and manipulate victims, including senior security officials.
Meanwhile, Lt Fred Ssali, 43, was arrested in November 2025 after allegedly posing as a UPDF lieutenant for over a decade. According to Magezi, Ssali went as far as acquiring official-looking uniforms and insignia to sustain the deception since 2013.
The army has now urged the public to exercise extreme caution, particularly when approached with investment opportunities or security-related claims by individuals purporting to be government officials.
Magezi emphasized that verification of identities through official channels remains critical in curbing the vice.
“This is a serious threat not only to individuals but also to the integrity of our institutions,” he said, adding that the UPDF will continue working with other security agencies to dismantle impersonation networks and bring perpetrators to justice.
The crackdown signals a renewed effort by authorities to restore public trust and protect citizens from increasingly bold fraud schemes exploiting the credibility of Uganda’s security institutions.
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