KAMPALA
Police have arrested a man accused of disguising himself as a woman to secure employment as a domestic worker before allegedly stealing Sh1.7 million from his employers in Kampala.
The suspect has been identified as Kayaga Rayan, who allegedly posed as Namirembe Rukia while seeking employment as a housemaid.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson SP Racheal Kawala said the suspect was employed at a residence in Mutundwe, Rubaga Division, Kampala District.
“The suspect was most recently employed at a residence in Mutundwe, Rubaga Division, Kampala District, where he is alleged to have stolen UGX 1.7 million from his employers,” Kawala said.
According to police, Kayaga was arrested at a church in Mutundwe after security personnel conducted a routine security screening before the start of a church service.
Kawala said the arrest prompted the employers to inspect their home, where they reportedly discovered that Sh1.7 million was missing.
“Following his arrest, the employers reportedly discovered that UGX 1.7 million was missing from their residence and immediately reported the matter to the police,” she said.
Police have since opened investigations into the alleged theft and are holding the suspect as inquiries continue.
The force has urged members of the public to exercise caution when recruiting domestic workers by thoroughly verifying their identities and references before employment.
“As you hire domestic workers, verify their identity and ensure the person is who they claim to be. If you’re hiring a woman, confirm they are a woman; if you’re hiring a man, confirm they are a man. Always verify identity and references before employment,” said ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, the KMP deputy spokesperson.
Police further advised employers to inspect national identification documents, confirm previous employment records and ensure that prospective employees are who they claim to be before offering them jobs.
The suspect remains in police custody pending further investigations and possible prosecution.
