Kampala, Uganda | By Michael Wandati | At least 43 Ugandans have fallen victim to a fraudulent job recruitment scheme, each losing Shs 22 million to a scam promising employment opportunities in Israel.
The elaborate ruse was allegedly carried out by two Ugandans, identified as Jackline Mbulateire and Andrew Sekimuli.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs reports that Mbulateire and Sekimuli operated under the guise of an online tours and travel company, Akia Guest Tours Limited. They lured unsuspecting individuals with promises of lucrative job placements with the Israeli government and other European countries.
The company claimed to be based at Lubaga Cathedral, but despite extensive investigations, crime intelligence units and detectives have been unable to locate its physical address. Both covert and overt operations to uncover the exact location of Akia Guest Tours Ltd. have been unsuccessful.
Simon Peter Mundeyi, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Internal Affairs, disclosed that a manhunt has been launched for Mbulateire and Sekimuli after the victims, collectively defrauded of Shs 943 million, reported the scam to 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 explained.
Investigations have revealed that Mbulateire acted as the manager of Akia Guest Tours Ltd, while Sekimuli was presented as the co-founder. Further intelligence suggests that Sekimuli recently secured a US visa, potentially planning 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 officials confirmed.
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The scam has emerged amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where Israel has intensified military operations against Hamas since October 7, 2023.
Exploiting the situation, the fraudsters falsely advertised job opportunities for young, able-bodied individuals to join as fighters.
They also claimed there was a high demand for professionals such as doctors, engineers, and IT specialists.
Similar scams were reported during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, with some Ugandans falling victim at that time as well.
