Three arrested over forged documents in Police recruitment exercise

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Police say they have arrested three people over attempting to join the Force fraudulently during the ongoing national recruitment exercise.

While addressing journalists on May 12, 2025, at the joint weekly media briefing at Police headquarters in Naguru, Kampala city, Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma confirmed the arrests, warning that anyone who attempts to join the Force through fraudulent means will face prosecution.

Kituuma revealed that two suspects were arrested at the Yumbe recruitment centre in West Nile region for presenting forged academic documents.

“One of the suspects, Charles Bakole from Leo A village in Lombe Parish, Kochi sub-county, altered his academic grades from D to B in an attempt to qualify,” Kituuma said.

“Another suspect, Hillary Lezi, from Yumbe town council, presented a forged ‘mirror’ form and altered his identity to appear as Hillary Buruku".

Kituuma emphasised that the suspects were immediately arrested and are now being processed for prosecution.

“We made it clear from the beginning that anyone who forges documents forfeits their freedom. They were taken through Police cells and will now face the courts of law,” he said.

Brother's identity

In a related incident, Kituuma disclosed that a fresh graduate from the Police Training School, identified as Kenneth Tumusiime, was arrested after it emerged he had fraudulently joined the Force using his brother’s identity.

“Tumusiime’s brother, Moses Tumusiime, had applied for recruitment but didn’t turn up. Kenneth assumed his identity, went through training and passed out as a Police constable,” Kituuma revealed.

“But due to continuous background checks, his deception was uncovered. He was arrested and detained at Masindi Police Station pending prosecution".

Kituuma urged all government entities and private employers to thoroughly verify academic documents during recruitment exercises and to report cases of forgery to law enforcement agencies.

“These individuals pose a serious risk. We call upon all institutions to be vigilant and cooperate with police in rooting out imposters,” he said.