Two held in Zombo over Shs3m motorcycle scam targeting 60 residents
“They were saying the funders were going to bring new motorcycles to each of the beneficiaries soon. When we received intelligence, we arrested them and they are behind bars,” Ayikobua said.
Zombo: Two people are in police custody at Paidha Central Police Station in Zombo District for allegedly defrauding more than 60 residents of Jangokoro Sub-county of over Shs3 million in a motorcycle scam.
The suspects are accused of moving through villages, registering residents and collecting money after promising to secure brand-new Bajaj motorcycles for them from Canadian funders through a local church.
The alleged scam was uncovered after suspicious residents reported the matter to authorities, leading to the arrest of the suspects.
Zombo Resident District Commissioner Festus Ayikobua confirmed the arrests, saying the suspects collected money from residents under the pretext of securing motorcycles for them.
“They were saying the funders were going to bring new motorcycles to each of the beneficiaries soon. When we received intelligence, we arrested them and they are behind bars,” Ayikobua said.
Ayikobua urged residents to remain vigilant and cautioned church leaders and members of the public against individuals who misuse the names of churches to defraud communities.
Authorities suspect that the alleged scam could have spread to three sub-counties in Zombo District and have called upon anyone who may have been affected to come forward and report to police.
The identities of the suspects have not been released as investigations continue.
Police warn against fraud
The case comes amid continued concerns over fraud and other financial crimes in Uganda.
According to the Uganda Police Force Annual Crime Report 2025, cases of obtaining money by false pretences declined from 10,449 in 2024 to 8,455 in 2025.
The report, however, identifies fraud and other financial crimes as a continuing concern, with authorities urging the public to verify claims before handing over money to individuals or organizations promising benefits or financial opportunities.
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