Police at Jinja Road in Kampala are holding three suspects in connection with the impersonation of the police chief.

The Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, SP Racheal Kawala, said in a press statement issued on Thursday that Abubakar Uthmaan Ariho, Fayim Bukenya, and Dalton Kaweesi were arrested on March 24, 2026.

"It is alleged that the suspects have been impersonating the Inspector General of Police, Abas Byakagaba, on social media platforms with the intent to extort money from police officers and members of the public," said SP Kawala.

She said a case of personation has since been registered by the police as investigations continue.

According to SP Kawala, police searched the suspects’ premises, where electronic devices and documents believed to have been used in the commission of the crime were recovered.

Without divulging more details about the case, Ms Kawala further said the investigations are ongoing.

There have been several high-profile arrests in Kampala and other parts of the country involving individuals impersonating senior police leadership to extort money or commit fraud

Other notable incidents

Senior Officer Extortion (September 2025): A man named Pius Eride Elangu was arrested for posing as senior officers, including the Jinja Road Division DPC Patrick Opio, to extort prominent city businessmen via WhatsApp and phone calls.
Fake Commissioner (December 2024): Kassim Byaruhanga was arrested for posing as a Commissioner of Police named Tumusiime. He attempted to defraud the DPC of Naggalama by claiming there was a vehicle auction at URA and requesting a payment of UGX 800,000.

Fake Cadet/ASP: Wabudambi Amos Chema was arrested at Wandegeya while wearing a uniform with the name "Makobi," falsely claiming to be a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP)