Impostors On The Prowl

Oct 17, 2002

THE sheet of paper looked like a genuine notice issued by Operation Sigma, but it had a few distinctive features.

By Frank Sserwaniko
THE sheet of paper looked like a genuine notice issued by Operation Sigma, but it had a few distinctive features.
Instead of the heading ‘Uganda Electricity Distribution Company’ printed on all Sigma notices, the fake notice bore ‘Uganda Electricity Board.’ The issuing officer’s signature was not clear, and so was his title. Contrary to all Sigma notices, the issuing task force number was not indicated.
Operation Sigma on Tuesday came across a customer disconnection notice, which officials suspect to have been issued by Sigma impostors.
The fake notice number 820997 was recovered at Happyland International Shop on William Street in Kampala.
The notice had two ticks, one against ‘Meter by-pass,’ and the other appended on ‘Energy bill overdue’ among the various options of possible irregularities.
Boldly written down the notice were the words: “Report to Sigma. To pay fine 295,500.”
Although the document was similar to Sigma notices, engineers said it was not genuine.
The shop owner could not recall the names of the person who issued the notice, but said he was moving alone, unlike Sigma that moves in a group.
“He even indicated the fine to be paid, which Sigma does not do,” said an official, adding that an impostor could have used the notice as an intimidation tool to extort money from the customer.
Sigma officials said they would trace the whereabouts of the book from which the notice number 820997 was plucked.
Thorough investigations by Sigma however found a meter by-pass and fake meter seals for which they disconnected the power.
UEDCL now warns:
l Seek for identification of any people claiming to be from Sigma. There are many impostors around.
l Pay any money for UEDCL services only at the cashier’s counter at a UEDCL office and ensure that you get a receipt.
l Ring operation Sigma using the number below if you suspect an impostor is about to cheat you.

This space is paid for by UEDCL’s SIGMA operation
Ends

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