Police in Iganga district in conjunction with other security agencies have arrested a conman masquerading as a State House, Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), and Internal Security Organization (ISO) officer who has been extorting money from youths seeking recruitment for government security jobs.

The suspect identified as Isaac Newton Muyaki, alias Captain Atwine, was arrested on October 20, 2024, in a lodge in Iganga after being exposed as a conman.

According to a security source, Muyaki’s arrest was made following an extensive investigation into complaints filed by several victims who had fallen prey to Muyaki’s fraudulent promises.

The source added that authorities were able to trace his movements and apprehend him at Rwenzori Bar and Guest House in Iganga district, where he was believed to be in the process of carrying out more of these deceptive activities.

Muyaki has been operating in the districts of Iganga, Budaka, Soroti and Katakwi where he has been extorting money from unsuspecting youths who were eager to secure jobs in the security and intelligence sectors.

According to reports, Muyaki reportedly deceived dozens of young people by promising them recruitment into prestigious government institutions in return for cash payments where he guaranteed placement in roles such as District Internal Security Officer (DISO) and other security positions.

The source further disclosed that victims of the scam were led to believe that they were undergoing the official recruitment process and were even issued fake entry numbers and instructions for final induction.

One of the documents recovered during the investigation, which this media house glimped, was a message congratulating a victim for being successfully captured into the main database center of a security organization.

“Am glad to inform you that you have been successfully captured into our main database centre for the entry of DISO as applied,” part of the message read.

The message further instructed one of the victims to report for formal introduction at a supposed training institute.

“Accordingly, you are to report for the induction at Garuga Institute of Security and Intelligence Studies on the date that shall be communicated to you soon as the funding is underway. Your entry No. is “IS29GISIS. I congratulate you and look forward to working with you,” the message read.

Read Also: Police K-9 Unit Accused of Extortion: Victims Urged to Report to Professional Standards Unit

Additionally, Muyaki instructed the victims to submit fingerprint biometrics through an intermediary he called the “Godfather,” demanding additional payments for this final stage of the process.

Victims, eager to secure employment in government security bodies, paid substantial sums through mobile money on numbers 0702311188, 0741212019 and 0758423615 only to realize later that they had been duped.

A case file No. SD 27/21/10/2024 was opened in Katakwi, where three victims testified to having paid Muyaki a sum of UGX 350,000 each to join ISO.

Police have urged other victims to come forward as investigations continue as Muyaki faces serious charges of impersonation, fraud, and extortion.

Muyaki arrest serves as a stark reminder of the growing trend of individuals exploiting the desperation of job seekers in Uganda.

Authorities have reiterated the need for the public to remain vigilant and cautious when dealing with individuals claiming to have connections within government institutions. The police are also working on measures to strengthen recruitment processes and ensure transparency to prevent such incidents from recurring.