Two arrested over masquerading as Ugandan soldiers

IGANGA - Police have arrested two men over impersonating Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) officers and having toy pistols in Iganga district.

The suspects have been identified as Derick Mugumira, 30, a truck driver and resident of Bugomba village in Luuka district, and Wycliffe Walujo, 24, a shopkeeper from Kasokoso zone, central division in Iganga municipality.

According to preliminary investigations, in October 2025, Mugumira allegedly approached a woman aspiring to contest for the Iganga Municipality parliamentary seat while masquerading as a UPDF Captain attached to the Senior Command and Staff College, Kimaka.

He reportedly claimed to have a “special team” capable of helping her secure victory in the upcoming elections in exchange for facilitation. Mugumira demanded an initial payment of shillings three million to fund the purported “operation, ” Busoga East Regional Police spokesperson Michael Kasadha said.

The aspirant became suspicious and alerted the Police, prompting a covert investigation. It was later established that Mugumira had two toy pistols, which he had acquired for use in the scheme.

On Sunday, November 9, 2025, Mugumira linked up with Walujo, and the two went to collect the toy pistols.

They later proceeded to Ntinda Valley Guest House, where they expected to meet the aspirant and receive the first payment. However, security operatives who had been deployed to monitor the transaction arrested them.

The duo is currently detained at Iganga Central Police Station pending completion of investigations, after which they will be charged in court.

“We caution all candidates to work closely with Police and report any suspicious persons to avoid falling victim to criminal activities,” said Kasadha.