By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
Police has issued warning to the public about an increase in fraudsters targeting bus passengers in Kampala
SSP Patrick Onyango, the Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson says there are multiple reports of unsuspecting travelers falling victims of scams at different businesses terminals in Kampala.
“Impostors posing as agents for various bus companies are operating in taxi stages and outside bus terminals, primarily targeting travelers heading upcountry,” SSP Onyango said.
He added that fraudsters have been tricking passengers into paying for fake tickets, and charging them exorbitantly or even stealing their belongings.
“Fraudsters create counterfeit receipts, distinct from authentic bus company receipts,” Onyango stated.
In downtown Kampala, a number of men and women donned in casual wears and others in certain business company uniforms work as agents of some companies. They operate around Old Taxi Park, Ben Kiwanuka road, Container village, Kafumbe Mukasa road, Namayiba bus terminal, Nakivubo channel, and Namirembe road.
In response, police in collaboration with business operators have intensified operations to curb down these criminal activities. Onyango noted that five suspects have so far been arrested and charged them with Obtaining Money by False Pretense regarding these criminal activities.
Police has also suggested specific measures such as removal of outside offices and desks along roads and streets, and banning selling of tickets by unauthorized officials. They argued that tickets will only be sold by officials authorized by the business companies at their offices.
“A targeted operation has been launched to apprehend individuals involved in this practice. The police urge the public to exercise caution and only purchase tickets directly from authorized bus company offices, avoiding street vendors.
The public is urged to report any suspicious activities to the authorities immediately.
