Authorities have arrested two men accused of posing as officials from the Uganda Revenue Authority in a suspected fake tax enforcement operation that allegedly targeted unsuspecting traders and small business owners in Kayunga. The suspects, identified as Kakooza Isa and Mafabi Achillis, were reportedly moving through trading centers while pretending to carry out official URA duties and issuing suspicious tax-related documents to residents.
The dramatic arrest happened in Kitimbwa Town Council along Beale Road when security officers intercepted the suspects traveling in a Toyota Mark X registration number UAU 678U. Authorities became suspicious after receiving reports that individuals claiming to be URA officers were demanding compliance from traders using questionable paperwork.According to District Internal Security Officer John Ssewanyana, the suspects are believed to have been issuing counterfeit Tax Identification Numbers and conducting presumptive tax assessments using forged documents designed to resemble genuine URA forms. Investigators say the operation appeared highly organized and carefully planned to convince victims that the suspects were legitimate government officials.During the arrest, security personnel recovered several documents carrying URA letterheads together with assessment forms similar to those commonly used in official tax enforcement exercises.
The discovery raised fears that several traders may have already fallen victim to the fraudulent scheme before the suspects were apprehended.Speaking about the incident, Robert Kalumba confirmed that the suspects had been handed over to police for further investigations. He warned that cases involving individuals impersonating URA officials have been increasing in different parts of the country, causing fear and financial losses among business communities.
Kalumba explained that URA has intensified efforts aimed at dismantling criminal networks linked to impersonation, smuggling, and corruption. He emphasized that the authority is working closely with security agencies to identify and arrest fraudsters who misuse the institution’s identity to extort money and deceive the public.He also cited a recent incident in Kamuli where suspected fake URA operatives stopped a truck and attempted to conduct what appeared to be an illegal enforcement exercise. The driver reportedly became suspicious and diverted to a nearby petrol station before contacting a local URA office, which confirmed that no official operation had been authorized in the area.
By the time authorities responded, the suspects had already fled.URA has urged members of the public to remain vigilant whenever approached by individuals claiming to represent the tax body. Officials are advising traders, transporters, and business owners to verify identities through official URA channels before responding to inspections, tax assessments, or payment demands, warning that fraudsters continue exploiting public trust for personal gain.
