Three drug trafficking suspects arrested in Wakiso — immigration

WAKISO - Three people, including two Nigerian nationals, suspected to be part of a global drug trafficking network, have been arrested in Wakiso district.

One of them is Ugandan Keith King Mugisha, regarded as the key suspect.

Nigerian nationals Testimony Udo Ikemefuna and Anointing Ikemefuna were arrested in a morning raid at Mugisha’s home in Nsasa, Kira Municipality in Wakiso.

Mundeyi offered details on main suspect Mugisha, saying he is a resident of Nsasa who hails from Kisoro district. (All Photos by Miriam Namutebi)

Mundeyi said Mugisha (Pictured) was also masquerading as an ambassador, "complete with a signpost at his home reading ‘Ambassador’s Residence’.

A joint operation involving the internal affairs ministry and sister security agencies that led to the arrests uncovered a racket reportedly involved in large scale illicit drug dealing and document fraud.

“This network involves a Ugandan national Mugisha acting in coordination with several foreign nationals,” said Simon Peter Mundeyi, the spokesperson of the National Citizenship and Immigration Control, which is under the internal affairs ministry.

Mundeyi said Mugisha was also masquerading as an ambassador, "complete with a signpost at his home reading ‘Ambassador’s Residence’.

'Concerning history'

The trio were paraded on Wednesday (May 6) in Kampala.

Mundeyi offered details on main suspect Mugisha, saying he is a resident of Nsasa who hails from Kisoro district.

“He is the proprietor of Keith King Group of Companies, with majority being shell companies. Investigations have revealed a concerning history and current pattern of criminal activity,” he told reporters.

“In 2010, Mugisha was arrested at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi with cocaine shipped from Brazil. He served a 12-year prison sentence in Kenya and remains an international wanted criminal.

Mundeyi added that the suspect “holds different passports alongside his Ugandan passport, including from Seychelles, Kingdom of Eswatini, Belgium, United Kingdom and Brazil as well as the national identity cards of Kenya and Nigeria".

He also reportedly has a fake work ID.

“The suspect has also been impersonating and has been observed using luxury vehicles, which include Mercedes Benz and Toyota Land Cruiser fitted with illegal sirens and displaying military uniforms/jackets to evade security checks, falsely masquerading as an official from the Office of the President or member of the armed forces.

He also ensures that his gateman at his resident in Nsasa [wears] military camouflage uniform to disguise as a military officer.”

Mundeyi said Mugisha was also masquerading as an ambassador, "complete with a signpost at his home reading ‘Ambassador’s Residence’.

Items recovered

Mugisha is alleged to be coordinating these illegal activities with a group of Nigerian nationals.

“Of particular concern is the discovery his spouse, Nigerian national Winner Ikemufuma Chekwubechukwu, fraudulently acquired a Uganda National ID under the name Winner Mugisha Chekwubechukwu with the help of Mugisha," said Mundeyi.

"She is currently on the run in Brazil. We are working with our international security partners to arrest other members of the racket that have varied nationalities and are still at large."

Security agencies raided the suspect's home in Nsasa, which reportedly doubled as the business premises and recovered a gun, pistol, live ammunition, multiple passports of different countries and identity cards.

They also recovered military attire, including shoes, headgear, vests, walkie-talkies, a satellite phone, forged headed papers of the Office of the President and other different companies; a diplomatic pass, United Nations ID, among other items.

It is understood that a comprehensive review of the immigration status of all foreign associates involved is ongoing.

“The ministry emphasises that Uganda maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards drug trafficking and misuse of military hardware," said Mundeyi.

"We urge the public to report impersonation, be vigilant regarding civilians using sirens and attires similar to military wear, and report drug activity. 

"Use the police hotlines or nearest police station to report suspicious foreign or local networks"