Four Arrested for Posing as State House Anti-Corruption Officials in Tororo

Police in Tororo District have arrested four suspects accused of impersonating officials from the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU) and using forged documents to intervene in a family land dispute.

The suspects, three men and one woman, were arrested after allegedly presenting themselves as lawyers attached to the State House Anti-Corruption Unit and claiming they had been assigned to handle a land wrangle involving the family of the late Benedicto Kiwanuka and his wife, Agnes Nyaketcho Apio.

According to police, the group appeared at the family’s home in Nyakesi E3 Village, Yokong Parish, Nyangole Sub-county on June 12 and attempted to preside over the dispute using documents purportedly issued by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit.

However, their plan reportedly fell apart after local leaders and residents questioned the authenticity of the documents. The papers allegedly lacked official stamps and other security features normally found on genuine government correspondence.

Bukedi South Regional Police spokesperson Moses Mugwe Johnson said concerns raised by residents prompted Martin Olwo, the district councillor representing Nyangole Sub-county, to alert authorities.

“The complainant contacted the Resident District Commissioner, whose intervention led to the arrest of the suspects. They were later handed over to police for investigations,” Mr Mugwe said.

Police identified the suspects as Simon Peter Byamukama alias Opio, 32, a pastor from Amagoro Central in Tororo Municipality; John Odoi, 43, an electrician from Morukatipe Sub-county; Gad Sikenyi, 51, a driver from Angorom A Village; and Margaret Akola, 56, a resident of Magola Sub-county.

Investigators say the suspects remain in custody and are expected to be arraigned in court.

According to police, the group relied on a letter dated June 8, 2026, allegedly issued by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, summoning parties involved in the property dispute to appear before what was described as an investigative team.

The letter directed the parties to attend a hearing at an estate in Iyikango III Zone, Nyangole Parish, and stated that attendance was mandatory.

Detectives later discovered several irregularities in the document. Among them was the inclusion of names of senior public officials who are not affiliated with the State House Anti-Corruption Unit.

Investigators noted that the letter referenced Electoral Commission Chairperson Simon Byabakama and Inspector General of Government Justice Aisha Nalule as members of the purported investigative team, raising further doubts about its authenticity.

Police also found that the document carried Judiciary contact details, including a telephone number, email address and website, despite claiming to originate from the State House Anti-Corruption Unit.

Mr Mugwe said statements had been recorded from witnesses and the suspected forged documents recovered as exhibits.

“Investigations have been completed and the case file submitted to the Resident State Attorney, who sanctioned the charges,” he said.

Tororo Deputy Resident District Commissioner Albert Amula confirmed the arrests, saying the suspects had allegedly been masquerading as State House officials while using the names of prominent government leaders.

Police have warned members of the public against impersonating government officials or using forged documents, noting that such offences carry serious penalties under Ugandan law.

The arrests add to a growing number of cases involving individuals accused of posing as State House officials to influence land disputes, financial matters and other administrative processes.