The Uganda Police Force and the United States Embassy in Uganda have warned the public about increasing cases of visa fraud targeting Ugandans seeking travel opportunities abroad.
Speaking during a joint press briefing in Kampala, police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke said authorities are concerned about the growing number of fraudsters posing as intermediaries who claim they can help people obtain visas or access other government services for a fee.
The briefing, which included a delegation from the U.S. Embassy led by Senior Regional Security Officer James Bloomer, focused on educating the public about common tactics used by scammers.
According to police, many conmen impersonate officials from government agencies, ministries, non-governmental organisations, banks and telecommunications companies. They often use forged identification cards, fake letters and unofficial phone numbers or social media accounts to appear credible.
Authorities said the criminals usually target individuals who are unfamiliar with official processes, urgently seeking opportunities abroad or looking for shortcuts in visa processing. In some cases, the fraudsters even use the names and photographs of real officials to gain trust.
“Once they receive money, they either disappear or continue demanding more payments, leaving victims embarrassed and afraid to report the matter,” Rusoke said in a statement.
Police emphasised that legitimate government officials do not ask for money to perform their lawful duties or process services such as visas, jobs or grants. They urged the public to verify anyone claiming to represent government institutions before making payments or sharing personal information.
Victims of fraud have been encouraged to report cases to the nearest police station or through official channels. Authorities say investigations into impersonation and fraud networks are ongoing, with several arrests already made.
The police added that they will continue working with international partners, including the U.S. Embassy, to raise awareness and protect the public from scams related to travel, employment and other opportunities abroad.
