Police in Kampala have started a manhunt for a man who fleeced shs700 million from a Kampala pastor in the name of helping him acquire licences for his two TV stations from Uganda Communications Commission.

It alleged that between 2020 and 2024, Jed Daniel Kabanda connived with Ritah Namalwa and purported to be UCC officials and received the money from Bishop Grivas Kiwanuka Musisi of Prayer Palace Kibuye after duping him that they would help him acquire two licences but also equipment for his two tv stations.

This website has learnt that when the pastor wrote to UCC to inquire about the stage at which the two TV licences had reached, he was informed the suspects are not known to the commission.

In a September,9, 2024 letter, UCC said they didn't have any employee by the name Eddy Daniel Kabanda and that they had never received the application for a licence.

"All the documents that were attached on your letter, including the invoices and receipts that were purportedly issued to your clients by the commission are forgeries," UCC wrote.

Consequently, UCC opened a General Enquiry File (GEF) with police to investigate the matter.

Kampala Metropolitan deputy police spokesperson, Luke Owoyesigyire said whereas they have arrested Namalwa, they are currently hunting for Kabanda.

"We are looking for him for directly receiving the money. In one meeting, Namalwa was introduced to the bishop as one of the personal assistants to the UCC Executive Director after which he paid shs150 million," Owoyesigyire said.

He noted that the money was paid in installments after the couple had asked for shs1 billion.

"The file is being handled by Kampala Metropolitan East and is ready to be submitted to the Resident State Attorney for perusal and advice."

He appealed to anyone with credible information leading to the arrest of Kabanda to provide it to any nearby police station.

"We ask members of the public to do due diligence before entering any monetary transactions."