Ex-soldier held in Lira over fake State House, URA job scam

LIRA - Police in Lira city have arrested a 46-year-old businessman over allegations of obtaining money by false pretences after he allegedly masqueraded as a senior army officer linked to State House to con unsuspecting job seekers.

According to North Kyoga region Police spokesperson Jimmy Patrick Okema, Ceaser Odongo, a resident of Railway “B” Cell, Railway Ward in Lira city east division, is being held at Lira City West Division Police Station.

The case was reported on September 16, 2025, by Odongkori Robert, 49, a self-employed resident of Kakooge “B” Cell, Ojwina Ward, Lira city west division.

Police allege that the suspect and the complainant are former schoolmates who met on September 8, 2025, at about 4:00pm at Midtown Petrol Station in Lira city. During their conversation, the suspect reportedly inquired about the complainant’s employment status.

Upon learning that he was unemployed, the suspect allegedly invited him to his residence, where he falsely claimed to be a UPDF Captain attached to the State House Anti-Corruption Unit.

The suspect further alleged that there were vacant positions at the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and promised to secure employment for the complainant for shillings 10 million, police said in a statement released on December 16, 2025.

Unable to raise the full amount, the complainant reportedly handed over shillings 1.9 million. Shortly afterwards, the suspect allegedly became unreachable and deliberately avoided repeated phone calls, prompting the complainant to file a formal complaint with the Police.

Okema said Police registered the case at Lira City West Division Police Station, recorded statements from the complainant and other relevant witnesses, and retrieved and analysed mobile money transaction records alongside MTN data.

The suspect was later traced and arrested and remains in custody as investigations continue.

Preliminary inquiries have established that Odongo Ceaser is not a serving UPDF officer, although he previously served in the army and retired in 2015.

Police further revealed that the suspect is linked to multiple complaints from members of the public who allege he obtained money from them under false promises of securing employment.

Police have cautioned the public against paying money in exchange for promised jobs and urged job seekers to verify recruitment processes directly with authorised institutions.

Investigations are ongoing.