LIRA CITY – The Territorial Police in Lira City West Division are holding a 46-year-old businessman, Odongo Ceaser, on allegations of obtaining money by false pretences after he allegedly posed as a UPDF Captain to fraudulently promise a schoolmate a job at the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).
The suspect, a resident of Railway “B” Cell in Lira City East Division and a former soldier, was arrested following a complaint filed by Odongkori Robert, 49, on September 16, 2025.
According to the police report, the two former schoolmates met at Midtown Petrol Station in Lira City on September 8, 2025. During their conversation, Odongo inquired about Odongkori's employment status. Upon learning that his former classmate was unemployed, Odongo invited him to his residence.
"There, the suspect falsely claimed to be a UPDF Captain attached to the State House Anti-Corruption Unit and alleged that there were vacant positions at the Uganda Revenue Authority,” said SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, the Public Relations Officer for North Kyoga Region. “He promised to secure employment for the complainant at a cost of ten million shillings (UGX 10,000,000)."
The complainant, unable to raise the full amount, transferred UGX 1,900,000 to the suspect. Subsequently, the suspect became unreachable, ignoring all phone calls, which prompted Odongkori to report the matter to police at Lira City West Division.
Police launched an investigation, recording statements and retrieving mobile money transaction records and call data. Odongo Ceaser was subsequently tracked down and arrested.
"Preliminary findings established that the suspect is not a serving UPDF Captain, although he previously served in the UPDF and retired in 2015," SP Okema revealed. He further stated that investigations indicate the suspect faces multiple similar complaints from members of the public defrauded under the guise of securing non-existent employment opportunities.
SP Okema condemned the act, warning the public against such scams. "This is an unfortunate incident, and the Police strongly advise members of the public to desist from giving out money in exchange for promised employment and to always verify such claims through the relevant and responsible authorities," he emphasised.
Odongo Ceaser remains in custody as investigations into the matter and other related complaints continue.
