52 dogs rescued from alleged online scam now up for adoption
“Together with the police, we rescued 52 dogs and six cats on May 10,” she said. “So, I brought some of our rescue dogs here today so that you can adopt them.”
Some of the rescued dogs from scammers in Mityna. (Credit: Maureen Nakatudde)
The annual dog-walk over the weekend brought together a variety of dogs from different breeds across Kampala, ranging from small breeds like Chihuahuas and Maltese to larger ones like the Bernese Mountain Dog and Tibetan Mastiff.
Led by a marching band, dog lovers stroll casually with their pets from Dolphin Suites, Bugolobi, to the Shell Petrol Station and back.
Children clutched their puppies tightly to their chests, while socialites stepped out in matching outfits with their dogs. Some participants struggled to keep their bulldogs in line as the dogs stopped to stare or bark at each other, almost as if saying, "I am stronger than you."
Following the walk, the dogs were treated to a red-carpet modelling session, showcasing various outfits including shimmering blouses, skirts, blazers, and hats.
However, the stars of the show were dogs rescued from scammers in Mityana. Once emaciated, dying animals, they had transformed into vibrant pets full of life. They strolled down the carpet as if they had never experienced abuse or hardship.
Dog lovers walking their animals. (Credit: Maureen Nakatudde)
Adopt Dogs
“If you're not aware, on May 4, the BBC released a documentary about scammers in Mityana who were making millions of dollars online through scamming sites by soliciting donations,” she revealed.
According to Jaquay, the perpetrators intentionally starved the dogs and made them appear distressed in videos to extort money from unsuspecting online donors.
“Together with the police, we rescued 52 dogs and six cats on May 10,” she said. “So, I brought some of our rescue dogs here today so that you can adopt them.”
Police K-9 Unit
Meanwhile, Sergeant Nangoli Herbert sensitised the public about the Police K-9 Unit.
He explained that the unit utilises trained dogs to track criminals, detect explosives and narcotics at border points and airports, conduct patrols and road checks, handle rescue operations, and detect ivory.
“All dog services provided to the public are completely free of charge since officers are salaried and the dogs are fully maintained by the police force,” he noted.
A young woman with her dog. (Credit: Maureen Nakatudde)
Pet insurance
Daudi Mugabi, a Corporate Affairs Manager at Statewide Insurance Company, urged owners to insure their pets to protect against financial strain during illness or accidents.
Mugabi explained that the insurance product covers veterinary costs, public liability such as damage caused to property—and compensation equivalent to the dog's value if it dies, strays, or disappears for a prolonged period.
Microchipping and breed standards
Crucially, dog owners were urged to enhance the safety of their pets through microchipping.
According to Emmanuel Kisamba, Lead Trainer at the Kennel Association of Uganda, microchipping serves as a digital identification method that assigns every dog a unique registry and serial number linked to the association's database.
“The chip contains details such as the owner's information, breeder, and the dog's age, category, or breed standard—such as specific height, coat, and movement requirements,” he explained. “If a microchipped dog gets lost, scanning the chip can help trace its ownership and background.”
While noting that a microchip is not a live GPS tracker, Kisamba emphasised that it serves as an official digital ID once the dog is registered in the database.
The fashion show was organized and sponsored by AWAU and it's members: Vetconekt, Uganda Animal Welfare Coalition, Transformed for Life, The Big Fix Uganda, Nile Pet Boarding, Nile Foundation, Vet Lit Animal Clinic, Uniquely Paws, Uganda Cat Cradle, Conservation for Public Health, Canine Association Uganda, Animal Kind International, and the Uganda Society for the Protection & Care of Animals (USPCA).