Security operatives have arrested three men accused of masquerading as officers from the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU) in an attempt to extort money from a Jinja-based pastor.
The suspects identified as Aggrey alias Werage Kenneth, Moses Isiko alias Isabirye Moses, and Herman Nuwagira allegedly approached Pastor David Fredrick Isanga of the Universal Apostles Fellowship Church of Righteousness, claiming he was under investigation for dealing in fake U.S. dollars.
According to SHACU, the trio demanded UGX 20 million from the pastor to “clear” the case.
During a briefing in Kampala, Mr. Ochwo, the Deputy Head of SHACU, revealed that the suspects persistently contacted the pastor between September and October 2025, pretending to be investigators.
“They repeatedly summoned the pastor, insisting that payment of 20 million shillings would halt the so-called investigation,” Ochwo said.
Pastor Isanga, growing suspicious, tasked his church elder Dr. Michael Kyakula and lawyer Derrick Isabirye to meet the supposed investigators.
The meeting, held at Nommo Gallery in Nakasero, confirmed the extortion attempt when the men reiterated their demand for money.
On October 7, 2025, the suspects sent a forged summons letter asking the pastor to appear before SHACU over a “Black Dollar scam.” Acting on intelligence shared by the Internal Security Organisation (ISO), SHACU advised the pastor to cooperate as a sting operation was set up. The suspects were arrested in the act.
A fake SHACU summons and other forged documents were recovered at the scene. The three men are now facing charges of forgery, uttering false documents, and impersonating public officials.
Ochwo applauded the pastor for his vigilance and cautioned the public against falling victim to similar scams.
“We urge Ugandans to verify any communication from SHACU and to report impersonators through our toll-free line 0800 202 500,” he said.
Pastor Isanga’s lawyer, Derrick Isabirye, also commended the swift action taken by the Unit.
“These men had planned to defraud my client of about 130 million shillings. Their arrest demonstrates SHACU’s commitment to protecting Ugandans from fraudsters,” he noted.
The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.
