Lira City Central Police Station is currently holding two suspects linked to a counterfeit money scheme, with other accomplices still at large.
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The arrest follows a report by Mr. Ekwang William, a 48-year-old businessman from Ayago, Lira City East Division, who brought the case to the attention of the District Police Commander (DPC).
According to the North Kyoga Police Mouth piece, SP Jimmy Patrick Okema, the incident occurred on August 9, 2024, when suspects Amuza Sam and Otim Ambrose, also known as Abaka, allegedly convinced a woman named Akullo Esther to give them UGX 3 million, promising to “print” her money, thereby multiplying it.
Akullo handed over the money and received counterfeit notes worth UGX 9 million in return. The suspects then asked her for an additional UGX 5 million to further increase her returns.
However, Akullo soon realized the notes were fake and informed her husband, Mr. Ekwang William, who then reported the matter to the police.
Following the report, police officers were dispatched to the suspects’ location. They arrested the two suspects and recovered UGX 22,550,000 counterfeit notes, as well as materials allegedly used to produce the notes. Among other items seized were bottles of chemicals, powder-like substances, including the counterfeit notes given to Akullo.
The police also noted that one of the suspects, Amuza Hamza, had previously been arrested in April after his car was burnt by an angry mob in connection to counterfeit activities in Lira City West Division.
During a Monday security press briefing at Lira Central Police Station, North Kyoga Police Regional Spokesperson SP Jimmy Patrick Okema condemned the increasing incidents of counterfeit schemes in the community.
He appealed to the public to avoid quick money schemes, stressing that such practices only thrive because community members participate in them.
“Our community members are the ones encouraging these schemes. If someone approaches you with a deal to multiply your money, why not use that money for something legitimate and earn it gradually?” SP Okema stated. “If we collectively refuse to engage in these schemes, there will be no opportunity for criminals to produce counterfeit money.”
The case is currently under investigation, with charges of issuing counterfeit notes expected to be brought against the suspects once the investigation is complete. The police urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to counterfeit money.
