At least 43 Ugandans have been defrauded of a total of Shs 943 million in a deceptive job recruitment scam that promised lucrative employment opportunities in Israel. Each victim lost Shs 22 million, according to reports from the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
The scam was allegedly orchestrated by two Ugandans, Jackline Mbulateire and Andrew Sekimuli, who operated under the guise of an online travel and tour agency named Akia Guest Tours Limited. The fraudulent company lured victims with promises of high-paying jobs in Israel and other European countries.
Despite claiming to be based at Lubaga Cathedral, investigations have failed to locate the physical address of the supposed company. Both covert and overt efforts by crime intelligence units and detectives have been unsuccessful in uncovering the whereabouts of Akia Guest Tours Ltd.
Simon Peter Mundeyi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Internal Affairs, confirmed that a manhunt has been launched for Mbulateire and Sekimuli after victims reported the scam to authorities. Mundeyi explained that the fraudsters had convinced victims to pay Shs 22 million each to secure their supposed job placements in Israel, promising monthly salaries of the same amount.
“The victims were told they would earn Shs 22 million monthly in Israel, and to secure the jobs, they were asked to pay the same amount. After payment, the suspects disappeared,” Mundeyi said. “Despite efforts to locate their premises, we have been unable to find them.”
Investigations indicate that Mbulateire served as the manager of Akia Guest Tours Ltd, while Sekimuli was presented as the co-founder. Intelligence further reveals that Sekimuli may have recently obtained a US visa, fueling suspicions that he may attempt to flee the country.
Authorities are working diligently to apprehend both Mbulateire and Sekimuli. “We have shared their pictures with all systems to ensure their arrest. Our teams are on high alert as we continue the search,” said security officials.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs has vowed to bring the culprits to justice and ensure accountability for the victims.