Man in Bugiri Arrested for Conning Shs150m

By Muhofa Were

Police in Bugiri are holding a 45-year old man for conning
unsuspicious members of the public of about Shs150m under the guise of ‘giving out motorcycles’.

Henry Mukose was smoked out of his hideout in Butaleja
Town Council after going into hiding three months, following an outcry from several people who claimed he had defrauded them.

Last year Musoke reportedly opened up an office in Musongola B Zone, Bugiri Municipal Council and put up a sign post emblazoned with the words VALU VALU motors, ostensibly to offer motorcycles to boda boda cyclists at cheap interest rates.

According to the area LC1 Secretary for Defense, Mohamed Bakaki, the accused with three others still at large reportedly put out announcements on radio, urging members of the public to deposit shs1.5m to be able to get the motorcycles, which were valued at shs5.4m with costs of the loan inclusive.

However, victims of Musoke’s fraudulent acts who have been frequenting Valu Valu motors offices for the past three months with a hope of picking their motorcycles were shocked to discover on Monday that the premises had been
closed and all the sign posts removed.

Yakubu Ndaada, one of the people who had paid to get a motorcycle, said he had to sell his two acre piece of land in Muterere sub county in order to raise the shs1.5m deposit required.

“Now all the land I would have gone to cultivate food in the village is gone and I don’t have any hope in life again,” Ndaada lamented.

The District Police Commander Bugiri, Jeff Sebuyungo confirmed Musoke’s arrest saying the police are still hunting for three others believed to have been part of the racket, to answer charges of extorting money from unsuspecting members of the public.

Martin Mugabi, the Bugiri Resident District Commissioner cautioned members of the public against dealing with suspicious organizations to avoid being fleeced of their hard earned money.

He also urged members of the public to report such cases to the relevant authorities like the police or local council officials for necessary action.