Police warn US visa applicants over conmen as 43 arrested over forgery

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The Uganda Police Force on Monday (March 16) cautioned Ugandans against conmen and impersonators who present themselves as intermediaries or “fixers” when applying for a United States of America (US) visa.

Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke issued the warning while jointly addressing the media with the US regional security officer at the US Embassy in Uganda, James Bloomer. Bloomer revealed that 43 Ugandans had been intercepted for attempting to apply for visas using forged documents since July 2025.

Bloomer urged all applicants to follow proper procedures and submit genuine documentation when applying for VISAs.

Rusoke said many Ugandans are currently grappling with a wave of conmen and impersonators posing as intermediaries or “fixers”.

“These criminals often pose as officials from government agencies, ministries, NGOs, banks, telecom companies, and other institutions. Their common targets include people who: Are unfamiliar with official processes, are in urgent situations, are looking for shortcuts, are overly trusting or gullible, are desperate for opportunities,” Rusoke said.

Rusoke revealed that to appear credible, these criminals use forged identification cards, fake introduction letters and unofficial phone numbers or social media accounts. In some cases, they even use the names and photographs of real officers or prominent individuals to deceive their victims.

“Once they receive money, they either disappear completely or continue demanding additional payments, leaving victims embarrassed and afraid to report the matter,” he stated.

Rusoke reassured the public that genuine public officials do not ask for money to perform their lawful duties or to help individuals access government services.

“If someone approaches you privately, asks you to keep the matter secret, and demands cash facilitation to fix a file, secure a job, process a visa, or obtain a grant, treat this as a serious warning sign of fraud. Before trusting anyone claiming to represent a government institution or security agency, always verify their identity. Contact the official offices, call known institutional hotlines, visit the nearest police station, or confirm through trusted channels,” he stated.

He said if one is, “unsure, do not send money and do not share your personal information.”

“We understand that many victims feel embarrassed and fear being blamed. However, we encourage anyone who has been defrauded to come forward and report the matter. You are not the criminal; the person who abused your trust is. Your report can help us identify these impostors, protect others, and dismantle the networks behind them,” he stated.

Rusoke said police investigators are already handling several cases of impersonation and fraud, and more arrests continue to be made.

“We will continue to keep the public informed about these scams and remain committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that no one else falls victim to such schemes,” he said.

Details in the Tuesday New Vision newspaper