news 2 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Ponzi Schemes and Cyber Scams Target West Nile Women, Leading to Major Losses
Women in Uganda's West Nile region, especially refugees and market vendors, are increasingly falling victim to Ponzi schemes and online scams that drain their savings through fake game apps and loan offers. Advocacy groups are pushing for digital safety training amid rising cybercrimes and legal hurdles. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/ponzi-schemes-the-thorns-in-the-flesh-of-west-nile-women-5444346
Women in Uganda’s West Nile region face growing threats from Ponzi schemes and cyber scams. Refugees in the Omugo settlement, Terego District, have lost significant savings to fraudulent game apps promising quick wins.
Ms Aice Selua narrowly escaped a scam after receiving unsolicited loan messages on her phone. She shared how friends lost money, with one selling two goats for Shs500,000 only to have the site vanish. ‘Today you pay Shs50,000, tomorrow Shs150,000—your stake grows until you lose everything,’ she warned.
Market vendors in areas like Driwala BAT have also suffered. Chairperson Jane Akwero noted many lost businesses to cons and faced sexual harassment on social media, exploiting women’s vulnerabilities.
In 2024, police reported cybercriminals stealing over Shs72 billion nationwide. Annet Lekuru of Feminature Uganda highlighted impersonation, fake links, and sextortion threats, including boyfriends blackmailing with nude photos.
During a symposium on digital safety and reproductive autonomy, Arua Chief Magistrate Conrad Obol lamented the quashed Computer Misuse Act 2022, forcing reliance on outdated Penal Code laws. He urged training for police and judicial officers.
Organizations like Feminature Uganda, West Nile Women Network, and Care Uganda are conducting community sessions to combat these issues, which also fuel gender-based violence through sextortion and doxing.
WhatsApp groups now share suspicious links to raise awareness.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)