The head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), Edith Nakalema, has vowed a sweeping crackdown on fraud networks, warning that authorities are moving to dismantle what she described as an extensive chain of criminals exploiting unsuspecting Ugandans.
Speaking during an ongoing operation coordinated with the Uganda Police Force, Nakalema said preliminary investigations have uncovered a wide network of suspects involved in extortion, impersonation, land fraud and other criminal activities.
"We are going to ensure that their chain is broken," Nakalema said, adding that evidence retrieved from suspects' mobile phones points to "a very long chain of thieves" operating across different areas.
She directed police to intensify investigations to ensure all individuals linked to the network are identified, arrested and prosecuted.
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"We want the whole chain of these thieves broken and handled under the law," she said.
Nakalema said authorities will also publicly expose suspects involved in such schemes as a deterrent to others.
"We want them properly exposed so that they do not continue extorting, defrauding and tormenting the public," she added.
Her remarks come as SHIPU, working with police, continues to make arrests linked to fraud cases reported by members of the public.
Arrests in Wakiso land fraud case
On Monday, SHIPU, in coordination with Kira Police Division, arrested two suspects in connection with a land fraud case in Kiwologoma, Kira Division, Wakiso District.
The case was reported by Ms Susan Karungi, the registered owner of the land, who accused unknown individuals of impersonating her and using forged documents to claim ownership of the property.
Preliminary findings indicate that the suspects used the forged documents to secure a loan of more than Shs30 million from PLC Financial Services in Ntinda.
The fraud was uncovered during a routine site verification by officials from the financial institution. During the visit, neighbours and caretakers reportedly raised alarm after noticing unfamiliar individuals--two women and a man--claiming ownership of the land.
The rightful owner was alerted and immediately reported the matter to Kira Police Division, where a case involving criminal trespass, forgery and uttering false documents was opened.
A joint intelligence-led operation involving Kira Police and the Wakiso District land office led to the arrest of two suspects identified as Kamukama Lucky and Nanatanzi Hadija.
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Investigations into the matter are ongoing, with authorities pursuing other individuals believed to be part of the wider fraud network.
Nakalema reiterated that SHIPU does not directly investigate criminal cases but coordinates with relevant agencies when investors or members of the public report grievances.
"The State House Investors Protection Unit is not for investigating cases, but when an investor or anyone adding value to the country runs to us with a problem, we coordinate with the police and other anti-corruption agencies," she said.
She said the unit works closely with institutions such as the State House Anti-Corruption Unit to ensure cases are handled effectively.
Nakalema also called on the public to report suspected fraud and criminal activity, saying community vigilance is key to dismantling organised crime networks.
She noted that the crackdown is in line with directives from President Yoweri Museveni to fight corruption and protect investors.
"The President is serious about fighting corruption, and we are under instructions to ensure that anyone corrupt is handled under the law," she said.
She reiterated SHIPU's mandate to protect investors and individuals contributing to Uganda's economy from fraudulent schemes.
"Our work is to ensure that anyone adding value to the country is protected from wrong elements," Nakalema said.
Authorities say more arrests are expected as security agencies widen investigations to dismantle the broader criminal network.
