MBARARA, Uganda — A 53-year-old businesswoman has been arrested in Kampala after allegedly defrauding a Member of Parliament (MP) of Shs60 million by falsely presenting herself as an official attached to the Office of the President, police have said.
The suspect, identified as Hope Tumwebaze, a resident of Mbarara City, is accused of using purported connections within government to convince the legislator that she could facilitate the delivery of state-funded development programmes to the MP’s constituency.
According to police, Tumwebaze allegedly approached the lawmaker on multiple occasions beginning in June 2025, claiming that certain government projects had already been approved and earmarked for implementation in selected districts.
Investigators say she convinced the MP that financial facilitation was required to accelerate the release and execution of the projects.
MP allegedly sent money in instalments
Speaking to journalists, police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke said the legislator allegedly transferred the money to Tumwebaze in several instalments, believing the funds would support the promised government interventions.
Authorities did not disclose the identity of the MP, citing ongoing investigations.
Police said the lawmaker later became suspicious after the promised projects failed to materialise and subsequently reported the matter to investigators.
“The complainant realised that the assurances being given were not being fulfilled and reported the matter to the police, leading to investigations and the suspect’s arrest,” Rusoke said.
The suspect is currently being held as detectives continue gathering evidence.
Police probe possible additional victims
Investigators believe the legislator may not have been the only victim.
Police are examining whether Tumwebaze used the same method to target other politicians, businesspeople, local leaders or members of the public by falsely claiming influence within government offices.
Authorities have appealed to anyone who may have had similar dealings with the suspect to come forward.
“We urge all citizens and public officials to be vigilant. Do not respond to requests without verification. If someone claims to act on behalf of the Office of the President or any government institution, verify through authorised channels before making payments or commitments,” Rusoke said.
Rise in fraud schemes using names of senior officials
The arrest comes amid growing concern over fraudsters exploiting the names of senior government officials and institutions to solicit money from unsuspecting victims.
Ugandan security agencies have in recent months reported several cases involving individuals allegedly impersonating government officials, State House operatives and relatives of prominent leaders.
Last week, a joint operation by the Uganda Police Force and the Directorate of Defence Intelligence and Security (DIS) led to the arrest of six suspects in Iganga District.
The suspects are accused of operating a fraudulent programme dubbed the Youth Development Application Fund, which allegedly used the name of Natasha Museveni, daughter of President Yoweri Museveni, to lure victims with promises of financial support and government grants.
According to investigators, members of the public were asked to send money purportedly for registration, processing or facilitation fees in exchange for access to the non-existent programme.
Earlier cyber fraud arrests
The latest arrests follow another operation conducted in February in which four suspected cyber fraudsters were apprehended in eastern Uganda.
Police alleged that the suspects created fake TikTok and WhatsApp accounts using Natasha Museveni’s name and photographs.
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The accounts were allegedly used to solicit money from victims under the guise of offering financial assistance, scholarships and empowerment grants.
Cybercrime investigators say such schemes have become increasingly sophisticated, with fraudsters relying on social media platforms, forged documents and fabricated government affiliations to gain credibility.
Warning to public officials and citizens
Security agencies have repeatedly advised public officials, political leaders and ordinary citizens to independently verify claims involving government funding, employment opportunities, grants or development projects.
Police say legitimate government programmes are communicated through official channels and do not require unofficial facilitation payments.
The investigation into the alleged Shs60 million fraud remains ongoing, and prosecutors are expected to review the case file once inquiries are completed.
