Man Arrested in Jinja for Posing as Nation Media Journalist

A man in Jinja City is in police custody after allegedly impersonating a journalist affiliated with Nation Media Group (NMG), the parent company of Daily Monitor and NTV.

Edwin Mayende, 41, a resident of Buyende District, was apprehended in Jinja’s Golf Course area. Authorities discovered forged documents on his person, including a national ID and a worker’s ID, which he used to support his claim of being a freelance journalist for Daily Monitor.

Kiira Regional Police spokesperson James Mubi stated that the police took steps to verify Mayende’s claims. They contacted the Jinja City bureau chief of Daily Monitor and subsequently NMG’s headquarters in Kampala. Both confirmed that Mayende was not an employee or contributor to the organization.

A backpack containing various items was also recovered during the arrest and is currently under examination as part of the ongoing investigation. Police are interrogating Mayende to determine his involvement in any other criminal activities.

Mr. Mubi issued a stern warning against impersonating journalists or using counterfeit documents for illicit purposes, noting that such individuals are often involved in crimes like phone theft and other serious offenses.

He added that Mayende will face charges and be remanded once the investigation is concluded. The police urged young people to pursue lawful and productive activities instead of engaging in crime. The police department reiterated its commitment to ensuring Jinja remains a safe environment for residents and tourists alike, emphasizing that all cases are treated with seriousness to achieve their goal of making Jinja a top tourist destination in Africa.

This incident was reported by the Daily Monitor.