ENTEBBE, Uganda — Police have arrested three men accused of impersonating police officers and using suspected forged police warrant cards to target foreign nationals in Entebbe Municipality, Wakiso District.
The suspects were arrested on Saturday, August 29, 2026, after they allegedly entered an apartment in Division A, Entebbe, and approached a foreign investor.
According to the Uganda Police Force, the three men were dressed in civilian clothes but claimed to be police officers on official duty.
They allegedly demanded the investor’s passport and an unspecified amount of money.
While the suspects were questioning the complainant, an apartment employee alerted officers from the Counter-Terrorism Tourism Unit, who responded and arrested the three men at the scene.
A search reportedly recovered two suspected forged police warrant cards.
Police identified the suspects as Osire John Pius, Girengero Pius and Emogu Julius.
They are being held at Entebbe Police Station as investigations continue.
Suspects linked to earlier robberies
Police said preliminary investigations have linked the suspects to at least two earlier incidents involving foreign nationals in the Entebbe area.
The group is suspected of robbing tourists in Manyago about two weeks ago and allegedly targeting Indian nationals in Kitooro one week later.
According to police, the suspects appear to have targeted foreign nationals in areas frequented by tourists.
They allegedly used forged security identification documents to convince victims that they were genuine officers conducting official duties before demanding money or other valuables.
Police said the investigation is continuing to establish the full extent of the alleged criminal network and identify any other people who may have been involved.
The suspects will be processed according to the law.
Police commend public vigilance
The Uganda Police Force commended the apartment staff member who alerted security officers, saying the quick response helped prevent the suspects from allegedly carrying out another robbery.
Police also praised officers from the Counter-Terrorism Tourism Unit for responding promptly and arresting the suspects at the scene.
The case has raised fresh concerns about criminals using fake security identities to gain access to foreigners and other potential victims.
Police have repeatedly urged members of the public, particularly hotels, apartments and businesses that host foreign visitors, to remain vigilant and report people who claim to be security officers but cannot properly establish their identity or purpose.
The arrests also highlight a growing problem for tourist areas: when criminals borrow the identity of the police, the uniform is no longer the only thing that must be verified. The authority itself must be questioned.
