Uganda’s State House has warned citizens of a group of people that have been forging the signature of President Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni’s Principal Private Secretary Dr Kenneth Omona and issuing directives in his name.
In the letters which State House has since flagged ‘fake,’ a group of fraudsters made it appear that Dr Omona had informed top government officials of President Museveni’s alleged instructions to issue out hundreds of millions in cash and fuel.
In one of the letters, the fraudsters, purporting to be Dr Omona, forged a letter conveying an alleged directive by Museveni to Irene Pauline Batebe, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development.
In the fake letter dated September 20, the group of fraudsters (of course making it appear like it is Omona writing), instructed PS Batebe to authorize the delivery of 50,000 liters of fuel to a youth group aligned to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
The fuel was purportedly meant to facilitate the activities of the group named 1986 Youth Patriotic Movement.
In another letter, this time written to Acting Bank of Uganda (BoU) Governor Michael Atingi-Ego, the fraudsters attempted to make it appear like Dr Omona had informed the central bank boss to give Shs500m to a one Kenneth Asiimwe Batungyi.
But State House has since warned government officials and other members of the public against falling prey to such tricks by fraudsters.
State House said the group of fraudsters was interested in tarnishing the good image of President Museveni’s government.
“It has come to our attention that unscrupulous persons are using the name of the PPS to H.E the President, Dr. Kenneth Omona to dupe citizens and also tarnish the name of the institution of Statehouse by writing FAKE letters purportedly signed by the PPS,” State House said in a statement.
“We urge the general public to be aware of these conmen and when in doubt, report to the nearest police station Or call 0800300115 Toll free!”
In recent years, State House has had to deal with fake letters and reports. For example, weeks ago, State House clarified on reports that former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi had been appointed as Bank of Uganda Governor to replace the late Prof Mutebile. (Read Story Here).
