KAMPALA, Uganda —Police in Kampala have arrested a 53-year-old businesswoman accused of allegedly impersonating a senior official attached to the Office of the President in a suspected fraud scheme involving at least Shs60 million.
The suspect, Hope Tumwebaze, a resident of Kamukuzi in Mbarara City, was arrested by officers from the Kampala Metropolitan South Police following investigations into allegations that she falsely claimed to have the influence and authority to facilitate access to government funds.
According to preliminary police investigations, Tumwebaze allegedly approached a Member of Parliament beginning in June 2025, claiming she had connections within the Office of the President that could help secure government funding for selected districts.
Police say the legislator reportedly believed the claims and transferred a total of Shs60 million to the suspect as facilitation for the purported funding process.
The alleged fraud was later reported to police, leading to the opening of a General Enquiry File (GEF) and investigations that culminated in Tumwebaze’s arrest.
Detectives are now widening the investigation to determine whether other individuals may have fallen victim to a similar scheme. Investigators are also examining whether the suspect acted alone or as part of a wider network involved in impersonating government officials to defraud unsuspecting victims.
Tumwebaze remains in police custody as investigations continue, after which she is expected to be presented before court if sufficient evidence is established.
In a statement, the Uganda Police Force urged public officials, political leaders and members of the public to exercise caution when approached by individuals claiming to have influence over government funding or appointments.
Police advised the public to verify any claims involving government programmes, State House, or the Office of the President through the relevant official institutions before making financial commitments, warning that fraudsters often exploit perceived access to senior government offices to obtain money under false pretences.