Jinja: Two individuals identified as James Mawangara, 53, and Alex Ndegwe, 27, hailing from Nakakabala village in Mbulamuti subcounty of Kamuli district are currently in police custody, facing charges of fraud after reportedly scamming a Ugandan woman (who chose to remain anonymous) out of shs. 8 million. The duo allegedly duped her into purchasing ten acres of pine tree plantation, worth shs. 20 million, which didn’t actually belong to them.
The purported pine tree plantation is situated in Mawaito village within Buwenge, Jinja district. According to reports, the victim made an initial cash deposit of shs. 8 million to the suspects on July 10, 2023, after they provided her with forged agreements and LC 1 chairperson stamps to make the deal appear legitimate. Subsequently, they continued to harass the victim for the remaining shs. 12 million balance, prompting law enforcement to intervene.
Police managed to trace the suspects’ number used for the communication, leading to their apprehension. The arrested individuals are currently being held at Jinja Central Police station (CPS) and are facing charges including theft, impersonation, and obtaining money under false pretenses.
Kiira region police spokesperson, SP James Mubi, disclosed that these suspects have a history of duping unsuspecting individuals by fraudulently selling off properties, such as land, vehicles, animals, and even sugarcane plantations, that they do not legally own. These fraudulent activities have affected several areas including Jinja, Kamuli, Luuka, Iganga, Mayuge, and Buikwe districts.
Police are urging local residents to exercise caution and conduct thorough due diligence before purchasing land and other valuable assets, emphasizing the importance of verifying ownership and documentation before entering into any financial transactions.
