The Uganda Police have dismissed media reports linking a 64-year-old American woman to espionage, saying the allegations are false and unfounded.
Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police Spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire was responding to a story published by a local newspaper that quoted him as having said the suspect, Mary Grace Miller, was “linked to an espionage-related racket.”
“This is false. At no point did I make such a statement to the reporter,” Owoyesigyire clarified. “I have a record of our WhatsApp conversation, which confirms that no such comment was given. The matter under investigation has no connection whatsoever to espionage, as claimed by the New Vision.”
According to Owoyesigyire, police action began after a TikTok video went viral in early August 2025 showing a white woman collecting plastic bottles in Ggaba, accompanied by online claims that she had been scammed and was surviving by selling the plastics.
“Concerned by the allegations, Police traced and located the woman for an interview,” Owoyesigyire said.
“Preliminary findings revealed that the woman is Mary Grace Miller, a 64-year-old American citizen and teacher by profession. She entered Uganda in September 2022 through the Busia border on a three-month visit visa, which expired on December 14, 2022.”
Miller reportedly told police she came to Uganda for a spiritual journey, has been attending prayers at Ggaba Catholic Church, and initially had shs20 million for her upkeep, which has since run out. She has been living in a room provided by an acquaintance in Bunga.
“Contrary to online claims, there is no evidence that she was scammed,” Owoyesigyire said.
Police say Miller was briefly detained while consultations were made with the Directorate of Immigration and the US Embassy. She has since been handed over to Immigration for further management.
Owoyesigyire appealed to the publication to correct its story noting that it not only misrepresents the facts of the case but also unfairly tarnishes the image of the victim by branding her as a spy.
