BY DANIEL MUMBYA: Police in Iganga have arrested a 38-year-old assistant accountant at Bugweri Town Council for allegedly impersonating the Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Iganga Municipality and extorting money from civil servants.
The suspect, identified as Mugabi Emmanuel, a resident of Bugabwe Village in Nakigo Sub-County, Iganga District, is accused of using phone calls to demand money from civil servants under investigation in an ongoing anti-corruption initiative.
According to police, the suspect allegedly promised to have the cases of the targeted civil servants dismissed in exchange for payments ranging from Shs100,000 to Shs300,000.
The matter came to light on October 13, 2026, when Nabala Tonny, the Assistant to the RDC of Iganga Municipality, reported to police that an unidentified individual was impersonating him through phone calls.
Busoga East Police spokesperson ASP Michael Kasadha said a case was registered at Iganga Central Police Station under reference number GEF 36/2026, and statements were recorded from the relevant parties.
Kasadha said a task force subsequently gathered information that led to the arrest of Mugabi. Preliminary investigations have reportedly established that the suspect had made multiple contacts with civil servants, although police have not disclosed the full extent of the alleged scheme.
Mugabi is currently detained at Iganga Central Police Station as investigations continue. Police say he is expected to face charges of impersonation and obtaining money by false pretences. Kasadha cautioned members of the public against individuals who impersonate government officials to solicit money or exploit people facing investigations.
He urged civil servants and other members of the public to verify the identity of anyone claiming to act on behalf of government officials and to report suspicious demands for money to the police. The arrest comes amid an ongoing anti-corruption initiative targeting suspected corruption and abuse of public office. Police have not yet disclosed whether other suspects are being pursued in connection with the alleged fraud.