Police warn public to stop impersonating officers or relatives of IGP

The suspect, one Dan Olele, is believed to have been involved in a case of conspiracy to defraud and steal money amounting to Shs150m, believed to have been donated to New Beginnings International Ministries for the construction of a Maternity Ward, in Iganga district.

New Beginnings International Ministries, through their CEO, Henry Isoba, had earlier entered into an agreement with Olele, a 56-year-old civil engineer of Wailaka Central, Kakira Parish, in Jinja district, to construct the maternity ward at a cost of Shs176m.

In a turn of events, on June 18th, 2022, at around 6 pm, Isoba went to inspect the project site, with cash of Shs150 million in his car.

During the said inspection, the Project Engineer, Olele, was absent but Isoba went on to inspect the site. After the inspection, he re-entered his car, which had remained unlocked, and drove off. On reaching home, he realised the money had been stolen from his car.

"We are now investigating circumstances under which, the money was stolen from the CEO’s car, while at the project site. In addition, we are in receipt of two contract agreements of Shs176m and 75m, respectively signed between the two parties, that is also a subject of our investigations," Police spokesman, Fred Enanga said.

"As a result, the CEO registered a complaint of theft against the Project Engineer, Olele Dan, and called for his arrest at Magamaga. It is during the arrest, that they claimed, Olele Dan, called himself, a brother to the IGP and further using that privilege to extort money from the public and also get special treatment from the police," Enanga added.

Enanga says the suspect's claim is totally fallacious and that the IGP and his family categorically rejected the claim as falsehood and an insult to the family.

"We, therefore, demand several media outlets that carried the misleading news story referring to the suspect as the IGP’s brother, arrested on charges of theft and conspiracy, immediately withdraw it and use the correct version. We urge all editors of media houses to always verify any information with the police authorities and further confirmation with the PRO," Enanga said.

The police urged all territorial commanders to remain steadfast while carrying out their duties and avoid getting duped by fraudsters and criminals who use the office of the IGP and other high-ranking security and government officials for their selfish gains.

"We also continue to receive complaints about individuals who pose as security personnel, while making contact at police stations and in the public. We strongly condemn this behaviour," Enanga said.

The police also implored the public to write down any piece of information that may be helpful in identifying any individual who impersonates a police officer.