Police in Kampala have arrested two suspects accused of extorting money from a job seeker under the pretext of securing him an appointment as an Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC).
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, Racheal Kawala, the suspects—Eddie Kaigwa and Juliet Nganda—allegedly obtained Shs2 million from Awan Mugabi Obadia after promising to secure him the government position.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the suspects allegedly took about Shs2 million from Awan Mugabi Obadia in exchange for a job of Assistant RDC,” Kawala said.
She added that the duo was reportedly still demanding additional money from the victim when police were alerted.
“It is alleged they were still demanding money from the victim. Police were informed about the incident, opened up a case, arrested the suspects and they are currently in our police custody,” she stated.
Police have urged members of the public who may have encountered similar scams to report to the nearest police station as investigations continue.
Warning from Presidency
Meanwhile, the Minister for the Presidency, Milly Babalanda, has warned Ugandans against fraudsters obtaining money by false pretence in exchange for appointments as RDCs, Deputy RDCs and Assistant RDCs.
“Obtaining money by false pretence over the appointments of RRDCs, Deputy RRDCs and Assistant RRDCs is illegal and unacceptable,” Babalanda said while addressing journalists.
She emphasized that RDC appointments are made solely by the President of Uganda and are not subject to any payment.
“Appointments of RRDCs, Deputy RRDCs and Assistant RRDCs are done by His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Uganda, who is also the appointing authority. Therefore, you should not be conned. You should not give away your money because these appointments are free of charge,” she stated.
The minister further called for vigilance among both the public and accountability agencies.
“I call upon fellow Ugandans to be vigilant and report such incidents to the nearest police. I also call upon sister agencies like the Office of the IGG, the Anti-Corruption Unit and the police to be vigilant and to take note of what is happening now,” she added.
Authorities say efforts to clamp down on fraudulent schemes targeting job seekers will continue.
