Bugiri Police Arrest Two Over Shs208m Scam Involving Somali Businessman

Security forces in Bugiri have taken two suspects into custody following the alleged robbery of over Shs208 million from a Somali businessman. The operation followed a dramatic confrontation involving vigilant residents and local boda boda riders.

According to Busoga East police spokesperson Michael Kasadha, the arrested individuals have been identified as Richard Emuloni from Bugiri Municipality and John Tukei from Iganga District. Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects targeted 55-year-old Isaac Mohammed, a businessman operating out of Malaba, on November 3, 2026.

The perpetrators reportedly lured the victim under the pretext of exchanging US dollars for Kenyan shillings. Once at the Malaba border, they allegedly administered an unknown substance to drug him before making off with KSh6.65 million, equivalent to approximately Shs208 million.

In a brazen move, the suspects attempted to run the same scam on November 5 using different phone numbers. They enticed the victim to a petrol station in Bugiri and later to Nawanduki Village. Fortunately, Mohammed recognized his previous attackers and raised an alarm.

Alert community members and local riders quickly mobilized, cornering the suspects in Buliwaigulu Village. Law enforcement from Buwunga and Bugiri Central Police stations intervened rapidly, rescuing the pair from an angry mob. The suspects are currently undergoing medical treatment at Bugiri District Main Hospital under police guard.

Authorities also recovered a red Bajaj Boxer motorcycle believed to have been utilized in the criminal enterprise. Investigators suspect the group is linked to at least three similar counterfeit currency and theft cases in the area. Police continue to search for missing evidence, including a bag of fake dollars discarded during the pursuit, and are hunting for additional accomplices still at large.

Kasadha commended the public for their swift action while strongly cautioning against mob justice. He advised traders to exercise extreme caution with informal currency exchangers, recommending that all financial transactions be handled exclusively through licensed institutions. Read more details about this incident on the Daily Monitor.