HOIMA – A team of Uganda Peoples Defense Forces – UPDF and police personnel teamed up on Sunday, to arrest Samuel Tukamushaba, 32, a resident of Bujumbura West cell, Kihombaza ward, Hoima East division in Hoima city for extortion.
Tukamushaba, who is currently detained at Hoima central police station is accused of impersonation as a Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence – CMI officer with the aim of defrauding unsuspecting guest house owners in Hoima city.
He was arrested on Sunday afternoon in Hoima city after he had extorted money from many guest owners – who he accused of operating, illegally during the recently announced 42-day total lockdown.
Tukamushaba is accused of soliciting money from guest house owners in Hoima city after claiming to be a CMI operative assigned, who, according to police had been assigned to close all the guest houses operating during the lockdown announced by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
Julius Hakiza, the Albertine region police spokesperson told a section of reporters on Monday that security swung into action following a tip-off from one of the guest house owners that Tukamushaba had approached and demanded for money from him in order to allow his business operate without any hindrances during the lockdown period.
According to Hakiza, at the time of his arrest, Tukamushaba had extorted money from over 10 guest house owners in the city. He would allegedly charge amount ranging between Ugx 50,000 to 200,000.
Police have preferred charges of extortion and impersonation against Tukamushaba.
Hakiza warned members of the public to remain vigilant – especially during the lockdown period, advising the public to report any suspicion characters.
