The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), in coordination with the Uganda Police Force, has arrested two individuals for impersonating URA officers and extorting money from unsuspecting business owners in Busabala, a suburb of Kampala.
The suspects, identified as Kassim Batesaki (34) and Mugisha Justus (48), were apprehended on Monday during a targeted sting operation. Their arrest followed a tip-off from a trader who had previously fallen victim to their extortion scheme.
According to URA, the suspects had been posing as URA clearing agents, demanding money from traders under the guise of enforcing tax regulations. They reportedly accused businesses of violations such as lacking Digital Tax Stamps on products like waragi and cigarettes, using these claims to solicit bribes.
Speaking on the incident, Col. Cassette Ignatius Wamundu, URA’s Manager for Intelligence, confirmed that the two men were not affiliated with the Authority.
“These are not URA staff. They are criminals exploiting our name, and we are working tirelessly to weed such people out,” Col. Wamundu said.
Reports indicate that the suspects extorted shs500,000 from a trader just a day before their arrest.
At the time of apprehension, Batesaki was found wearing a URA-branded shirt, which he claimed had been given to him by a former customs officer known only as “Boaz.”
During interrogation, the suspect admitted to having been arrested for similar offenses five years ago, but said he was released due to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Both suspects are expected to be charged with impersonation and bribery and will be presented in court soon.
URA urged all business owners and members of the public to verify the identities of any individuals claiming to represent the authority.
“Always verify with official URA channels before making any payments or disclosures,” the agency stated.
This arrest is part of a wider crackdown by URA to eliminate fraudulent networks that use the agency’s name to exploit and defraud the public.
