KAMPALA, Uganda — The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has raised alarm over a growing trend of criminals impersonating security personnel to defraud members of the public.
In a statement issued on April 20, Acting Director of Defence Public Information, Col Chris Magezi, said cases of individuals posing as members of security agencies are on the rise, with the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, Uganda Police Force (UPF), and Internal Security Organisation (ISO) among the most affected institutions.
According to the statement, the impersonators use their assumed identities to mislead and exploit unsuspecting victims, often luring them into fraudulent investment schemes or extorting money and property through threats and intimidation.
“The motive behind this criminal behaviour is to mislead and dupe unsuspecting members of the public into entering regrettable investment decisions and ventures,” the statement read.
Authorities revealed that joint security operations and investigations handled 18 such cases between May 2025 and April 2026. Most of these cases have been concluded and forwarded to courts of law for further management.
However, officials declined to provide detailed information on the cases, citing the sub judice rule, which restricts public discussion of matters currently before court.
The UPDF noted that both Ugandans and foreign investors have been targeted, including individuals and multinational businesses operating in the country.
Security agencies have now urged the public to exercise caution, verify the identity of individuals claiming to be security personnel, and conduct due diligence before engaging in business transactions.
Members of the public are also encouraged to report any suspected impersonation or fraudulent activity to the nearest police station or UPDF unit for prompt action.
The warning comes amid broader concerns about fraud and cyber-related crimes in Uganda, with authorities stepping up efforts to protect citizens and maintain public trust in state institutions.
