Kampala, (UG):- At least 43 Ugandans are ‘crying foul’ after they were defrauded of Shs 22 million each in a fake job recruitment scam for positions in Israel.
The scheme, according to Internal Affairs Ministry was allegedly orchestrated by two Ugandans, Jackline Mbulateire and Andrew Sekimuli.
Preliminary reports indicate that Mbulateire and Sekimuli have been operating a fraudulent online tours and travel company, Akia Guest Tours Limited with promises of lucrative external job opportunities for the Israeli government and other countries in Europe.
While the company claimed to be located at Lubaga Cathedral in Kampala, crime intelligence and detectives were unable to locate its premises. Despite extensive efforts, both covert and overt operatives have failed to identify the exact building housing Akia Guest Tours Ltd.
Simon Peter Mundeyi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Internal Affairs, stated that security agencies have now launched a manhunt for Mbulateire and Sekimuli after the victims, defrauded of a total of Shs 943 million, sought help from the ministry.
“These people were promised to get lucrative jobs in Israel where they would be earning Shs 22 million every month. In order to get the jobs, the fraudsters asked them to pay Shs 22 million each and later on disappeared. We are have tried to search for these premises but they are nowhere to be seen at Lubaga Cathedral,” Mundeyi said.
Investigations have revealed that Mbulateire served as the manager of Akia Guest Tours Ltd, while Sekimuli was presented as a co-founder. Further intelligence suggests that Sekimuli recently obtained a US visa, possibly to flee the country.
“We have put Sekimuli and Jackie’s pictures in every system to ensure they are arrested and they do not escape their criminal activities. We are searching for them and we have notified our teams to be on high alert,” security indicated.
The scam coincides with the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where, since October 7, 2023, Israel has intensified military operations against Hamas.
Fraudsters have exploited the situation, falsely advertising job opportunities for young, able-bodied individuals to be recruited as fighters. They have also claimed high demand for professionals like doctors, engineers, and IT specialists.
Similar fraudulent schemes emerged during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, with some Ugandans falling victim then as well.
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