KAMPALA, Uganda — Police in Kampala are investigating a man accused of posing as a woman to secure employment as a domestic worker before allegedly stealing UGX 1.7 million from a household in Mutundwe, Rubaga Division.
The suspect, identified by police as Kayaga Rayan, is alleged to have used the name Namirembe Rukia while applying for the domestic work position, presenting himself as a female job seeker in order to gain access to the residence.
According to preliminary police findings, the suspect was hired after successfully convincing prospective employers that he was a woman seeking domestic employment.
Investigators say questions about the suspect’s identity emerged following a security screening at a church in Mutundwe, where concerns were reportedly raised about personal details he had provided.
The matter later came to the attention of his employers, who subsequently discovered that UGX 1.7 million was allegedly missing from their home and reported the incident to police.
The circumstances surrounding both the alleged identity deception and the reported theft remain under investigation.
Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police Spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire confirmed that the suspect is being held at Nateete Police Post while investigations continue.
Police say the suspect will remain in custody pending completion of inquiries and possible court proceedings.
Authorities have not yet disclosed whether the stolen money has been recovered.
According to investigators, preliminary findings suggest the suspect allegedly used women’s clothing, cosmetics and other methods to conceal his identity while carrying out his activities.
Police have urged households to conduct thorough background checks before hiring domestic workers, including verifying identification documents, references and residential information.
Security experts have repeatedly warned that failure to verify personal details can expose families to theft, fraud and other security risks.
Police said the suspect is expected to be arraigned in court once investigations are completed and a case file is submitted to prosecutors for legal review.
Authorities stressed that the allegations remain under investigation and that the suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The case has generated significant public interest because of the alleged identity deception and the circumstances under which the suspect is said to have obtained employment.
