Uganda Police have arrested a man suspected of defrauding foreign tourists through a purported car-hire and tour company, FK Car Rental.
Police identified the suspect as Faisal Kimuli and said he was arrested on October 2, 2026, following investigations into complaints from tourists who allegedly lost money while booking tourism services online.
According to police, the investigation began after a Russian tourist reported to the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) on August 16 that he had paid USD 2,215 to FK Car Rental to hire a vehicle that was never delivered.
Police said the company’s website was taken down shortly after the payment was made, while telephone numbers associated with the business were switched off.
“Further complaints from other foreign tourists revealed a similar pattern,” said ACP R. Kituuma in a statement issued by the Uganda Police Force.
Investigators allege that the same operator ran several online platforms advertising gorilla permits, safaris, four-wheel-drive vehicle hire and other tourism services.
Police said the suspect allegedly used professionally designed advertisements and photographs taken with genuine tourists to make the businesses appear legitimate.
According to the investigators, Kimuli operated under several identities, including “Becky,” “Kim Quinn” and “Habimana Samuel.”
He allegedly attracted clients by offering tourism services at prices significantly below prevailing market rates before requiring advance payments through mobile money or bank transfers.
Police said most communication with clients was conducted through WhatsApp.
The suspect would allegedly tell clients that he was outside Uganda and subsequently become unreachable after receiving their payments.
Investigators also allege that he frequently changed telephone numbers, mobile devices, accounts and websites in an attempt to evade detection.
“Faisal Kimuli was traced and arrested on 02 October 2026,” police said.
The investigation is continuing to establish the full extent of the alleged fraud, identify other possible victims and accomplices, and trace and recover money allegedly obtained through the scheme.
Police have warned tourists and members of the public to exercise caution when booking tourism services online.
Tourists seeking gorilla permits have specifically been advised to obtain them directly from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or use tourism operators licensed by the Uganda Tourism Board.
Police also urged anyone who may have sent money to telephone numbers or accounts associated with the suspect, or who believes they have been targeted through a similar tourism scam, to report to Katwe Police Station or the nearest police station.
The arrest comes as Uganda’s tourism sector increasingly relies on online platforms to market accommodation, safaris, vehicle hire and other services to international visitors, creating opportunities for legitimate operators as well as online fraudsters.
