By Mike Rwothomio

Two people are in police custody at Paidha Central Police Station in Zombo District for allegedly defrauding more than 60 residents of Jangokoro Sub-county of over Shs3 million in a motorcycle scam.

The suspects allegedly moved through villages registering residents and collecting money after promising to secure brand-new Bajaj motorcycles for them from Canadian funders through a local church.

The scheme was exposed after suspicious community members reported the matter to authorities, leading to the suspects’ arrest on Wednesday.

Zombo Resident District Commissioner Festus Ayikobua confirmed the arrests, saying the suspects collected money from the victims under the pretext of securing motorcycles for them.

“They were saying the funders were going to bring new motorcycles to each of the beneficiaries soon. When we received intelligence, we arrested them and they are behind bars,” Ayikobua said.

Ayikobua urged residents to be vigilant and cautioned church leaders and the public against individuals who misuse the names of churches to defraud communities.

Authorities said the alleged scam may have spread to three sub-counties in Zombo District and called on anyone who may have fallen victim to come forward.

The identities of the suspects have not been released as investigations continue.

According to the Uganda Police Force Annual Crime Report 2025, cases of obtaining money by false pretences declined from 10,449 in 2024 to 8,455 in 2025.

The report, however, highlights fraud and other financial crimes as a continuing concern.

Mike Rwothomio is the news editor at Zoomer Africa your number one grassroot information hub for African news trends and updates.