Emmanuel Mugabi, the assistant accountant of Bugweri Town Council, has been arrested for allegedly impersonating Iganga Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Tonny Nabala and extorting money from civil servants facing corruption-related investigations. He is in custody at Iganga Central Police Station as investigations continue into allegations of impersonation, extortion, obtaining money by false pretence and fraud.
Preliminary information indicates that Mugabi allegedly targeted civil servants who were interdicted during Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara’s anti-corruption campaign in Iganga District. About 31 civil servants were reportedly interdicted and are facing corruption-related charges. Some of them are suspected to have been seeking ways to secure out-of-court settlements rather than face lengthy prosecution processes, making them vulnerable to individuals promising to help them.
Mugabi, who is reportedly acquainted with some of the interdicted officials, allegedly took advantage of the situation by posing as Nabala and claiming he could use his connections to help them escape prosecution. According to preliminary information, Mugabi allegedly told his victims that he had established contacts within the Ministry of Local Government and other government anti-corruption agencies who could help have the charges against them dropped.
Convinced by his claims, some of the civil servants reportedly paid him between Shs100,000 and Shs300,000. However, they became suspicious after he allegedly stopped answering their calls about a week later. Some of the complainants reportedly went to the RDC’s office demanding to meet Nabala in person, only to discover that the person they had been dealing with was not the official.
Nabala subsequently lodged a complaint of impersonation at Iganga Central Police Station, prompting investigations that led to Mugabi’s arrest at his home in Bugabwe Village, Nakigo Sub-county, Iganga District. Mugabi has denied the allegations, maintaining that he is a responsible civil servant and is not involved in illegal dealings.
Busoga East Regional Police spokesperson Michael Kasadha said preliminary investigations had identified Mugabi as a key suspect in the alleged offences. Kasadha said police had opened a general enquiry file at Iganga Central Police Station following complaints from several individuals accusing Mugabi of impersonation and extortion.
He said investigations were ongoing and that police would provide a comprehensive update upon their conclusion. Kasadha also warned civil servants and members of the public against bribery and attempts to influence investigations through unofficial channels, saying such dealings are illegal and can result in financial losses-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
