By Robert Segawa
The Uganda Police Force has issued a public warning urging citizens to stop entrusting their money to individuals they do not know, following a series of complaints about a woman known as Hellen Nakamanya, alias Aunt Kadduka, who allegedly swindled Ugandans working abroad. The police have received at least 10 complaints so far, all lodged at Bweyogerere Police Station.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police Spokesperson, Luke Owoyesigyire, Aunt Kadduka had been convincing Ugandans, particularly those in the diaspora, to invest in businesses while they were still abroad, promising lucrative returns and opportunities. Owoyesigyire expressed disbelief that people would trust a stranger with their hard-earned money over close family members. “I wonder how members of the public can entrust their money to a person they don’t know more than their relatives,” he remarked.
The police have launched an investigation into Aunt Kadduka, who is being sought on charges of receiving money under false pretenses. Authorities are also working with immigration officials to determine whether she is still in Uganda or if she has fled the country.
The police have urged anyone else who may have fallen victim to Aunt Kadduka’s alleged scam to come forward and file a report. Investigations are ongoing to identify whether there are other victims outside the Kampala region. Police continue to call on the public to be vigilant and to avoid handing over money to unverified individuals, especially in cases involving financial transactions from abroad.
