By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu,
Mbarara
Asiimwe Annah, a cunning fraudster, has been arraigned before the Chief Magistrates Court in Mbarara for obtaining money by false pretence, forgery and presenting false documents.
According to the prosecution, Annah pretended to be the biological daughter of the late Archbishop Paul Kamuza Bakyenga and fraudulently obtained millions of shillings from unsuspecting victims.
Paul Kamuza Bakyenga was a Ugandan Roman Catholic priest, who was the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Mbarara, from 2 January 1999 who later was allowed by Pope Francis to retire on 25 April 2020 and later died on 18th July, 2023.
It is said that Asiimwe promised to transfer the late bishop’s properties into their names, but instead, she forged share certificates from reputable companies like MTN and World Bank, as well as letters purportedly from the late bishop and the Catholic Church.
The forged documents showed that the bishop had shares in World Bank, MTN, Ford Motors, and several petrol stations, which was entirely false. The victims, who believed Annah’s lies, handed over large sums of money to her.
The Anti-Corruption Unit, working with the Criminal Investigations Directorate and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, apprehended Annah and brought her to justice.
The court remanded Annah until July 9, 2024, as the investigations continue.This case serves as a warning to fraudsters who prey on vulnerable individuals, and the public is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
