KAMPALA – In a significant crackdown on bureaucratic fraud, the Uganda Police Force, in collaboration with the Ministry of Works and Transport (MoWT), has arrested a suspected fraudster accused of fleecing citizens under the guise of being a government official.
The suspect, identified as Richard Kalema, was apprehended during a covert operation on the evening of March 3, 2026. According to an official public notice released by the Ministry, Kalema has been operating a scheme targeting unsuspecting members of the public who were seeking motor vehicle transactions.
The Operation and Confession
Kalema reportedly posed as a Ministry official, promising to facilitate: motor vehicle ownership transfers, vehicle registrations and acquisition of number plates.
Upon his arrest, Kalema confessed to the impersonation and the crimes. Authorities believe he is not acting alone; the Ministry described him as a “ringleader in a wider racket” of fraudsters operating within the transport sector. He is currently being held at Jinja Road Police Station awaiting further legal action.
Ministry Issues Stern Warning
Bageya Waiswa, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works and Transport, urged the public to remain vigilant to avoid falling victim to similar scams.
The Ministry has issued a four-point guideline for all citizens seeking services at the Motor Vehicle Registration Offices in Nakawa:
1. Authorized Staff Only: Deal exclusively with Ministry staff seated at designated service desks.
2. Verify ID: Always check staff identification before beginning any transaction.
3. No Middlemen: Avoid engaging agents, “brokers,” or individuals operating outside official office spaces.
4. Official Payments: Never make payments to personal accounts or through informal channels.
How to Report Suspicious Activity
The Ministry and the Uganda Police have vowed to intensify enforcement operations to dismantle criminal networks targeting government service seekers.
If you have been approached by suspicious individuals or have information regarding such rackets, you can contact the Ministry’s Motor Vehicle Registration Office directly: Phone: 0200 420000 and Email: inquiries@mvr.go.ug.
