Police arrest Tubale Safaris proprietor over alleged tourist fraud
Kituuma explained that some fraudulent operators could disguise themselves by using business names or online information that closely resembles those of legitimate tourism companies, making it important for clients to examine the details carefully.
Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma. (File photo)
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Police have arrested Annette Tusubira, the proprietor and operator of Tubale Safaris, over allegations of defrauding foreign tourists of $39,604 (about sh146m) through safari bookings for travel and tourism services that were never delivered.
Tusubira was arrested on October 30 by officers from Jinja Central Police Station following complaints from tourists, who allegedly paid for safari bookings through the company’s website, email and WhatsApp platforms, but did not receive the services they had contracted.
Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma said investigations had established four separate transactions involving foreign tourists from different countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom.
Addressing journalists at the Police headquarters in Naguru, Kampala, on Monday, Kituuma said the first incident involved a foreign tourist who allegedly paid Tusubira $12,000 on July 18. The complaint was subsequently reported at Masindi Police Station.
On July 31, Tusubira allegedly obtained another $8,400 from a British tourist in a transaction reported at Entebbe Central Police Station.
A third incident occurred on August 19, when she allegedly received $12,966 from an American couple. The matter was reported at Pakwach Police Station.
In the fourth incident, reported in October, Tusubira allegedly obtained another $6,238, with the complaint registered at Entebbe Police Station.
He warned that fraudulent tourism operators were putting Uganda’s tourism industry at risk by undermining the confidence of international visitors, who entrust local businesses with money to organise their travel experiences.
Police also revealed that the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) had withdrawn Tubale Safaris’ operating licence on July 21, 2026, but the operator allegedly continued accepting bookings and payments after the withdrawal.
Kituuma urged anyone who may have been defrauded by Tubale Safaris to report to the nearest police station to support further investigations.
He advised complainants to provide booking confirmations, payment records, correspondence and any other relevant documentation that could help investigators establish the transactions and trace the money.
The police spokesperson cautioned tourists against falling victim to fraudulent safari bookings, urging them to verify the current licensing status of tour operators with UTB before making bookings or payments.
He said the board maintains a list of licensed tourism operators on its website, which prospective clients should consult before engaging a company.
He explained that some fraudulent operators could disguise themselves by using business names or online information that closely resembles those of legitimate tourism companies, making it important for clients to examine the details carefully.
He also urged tourists to insist on written itineraries, clear breakdowns of costs, payment terms, and cancellation or refund conditions before making financial commitments.
On payments, Kituuma advised tourists to use traceable methods and retain receipts, transaction references and all correspondences with the service providers.
He said such records were essential during investigations because they help police establish the connection between the suspect, the money paid, and the alleged fraudulent transaction.
Kituuma further urged tourists to promptly report suspected fraud to the nearest police station, UTB or the Police Tourism Protection Unit.
He said contact details for commanders of the Tourism Police Unit were available on UTB’s website.
Kituuma said police had raised similar concerns previously, adding that tourists could avoid many of these incidents by conducting basic checks before sending money to operators advertising tourism services through digital platforms.
He cautioned that online engagements often make it difficult for clients to establish the credibility of service providers before making payments, leaving them vulnerable to fraud.