Man Masquerading as Minitry Official Nabbed After Months of Defrauding Vehicle Owners

A man has been arrested after he spent months posing as a Ministry of Works and Transport official, conning members of the public who were seeking help with vehicle transfers and number plate acquisitions at the government’s motor vehicle offices in Nakawa.

Richard Kalema was picked up following a covert operation conducted jointly by the Ministry of Works and Transport and the Uganda Police Force. He confessed to the crimes and is currently being held at Jinja Road Police Station as investigations continue.

According to the ministry, Kalema had been approaching unsuspecting citizens and falsely presenting himself as ministry staff, promising to process vehicle ownership transfers and number plates on their behalf in exchange for money.

Permanent Secretary Bageya Waiswa, who confirmed the arrest, urged members of the public visiting the Motor Vehicle Registration Offices in Nakawa to deal only with authorised staff seated at designated service desks. He warned against engaging agents or middlemen and cautioned the public against making payments through personal accounts or informal channels.

The ministry said it will continue working with the Uganda Police Force to crack down on criminal networks targeting citizens at government service points.