crime 6 July 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Mbarara Businesswoman Arrested for Allegedly Swindling MP of Shs 60 Million
A 53-year-old businesswoman from Mbarara, Hope Tumwebaze, has been apprehended in Kampala for allegedly defrauding a Member of Parliament of Shs 60 million. She is accused of impersonating an official from the Office of the President to solicit funds. Source: https://observer.ug/news/mbarara-businesswoman-tumwebaze-cons-mp-out-of-shs-60-million
Police in Kampala have arrested a businesswoman from Mbarara City, identified as Hope Tumwebaze, aged 53, on suspicion of defrauding an unnamed Member of Parliament. Authorities allege that Tumwebaze posed as an official from the Office of the President to con the legislator out of Shs 60 million.
According to police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke, Tumwebaze allegedly approached the MP on multiple occasions between June of last year and the subsequent months. She claimed an ability to facilitate the implementation of government programs within the MP’s constituency, fabricating a story about earmarked projects requiring financial assistance for expedited delivery.
Believing the promises, the MP reportedly transferred the money in installments to Tumwebaze. However, suspicion eventually arose, prompting the legislator to report the matter to the authorities, which culminated in Tumwebaze’s arrest.
Investigators are now exploring the possibility that other individuals may have fallen victim to similar fraudulent schemes and are urging the public to exercise caution. “We urge all citizens and public officials to be vigilant. Do not respond to requests without checking first. If someone claims to act for the Office of the President, whether in communication, fundraising, or transactions, confirm with authorised persons,” Rusoke advised.
This incident follows a string of similar fraud cases where individuals have falsely claimed connections to high-ranking government offices. Notably, last week saw the arrest of six suspects in Iganga District for allegedly operating a fake ‘Youth Development Application Fund’ in the name of President Museveni’s daughter, Natasha Museveni. Earlier this year, four suspects were apprehended for similar online scams, using fake social media accounts impersonating Natasha Museveni to extort money through false promises of financial aid in exchange for processing fees.
This story was first reported by The Observer (Uganda).