A suspected fraudster accused of using the name of Office of the National Chairman (ONC) Manager and Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs, Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, to extort money from students at the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) Main Campus in Mbale has been arrested following a coordinated operation by the ONC Bugisu Sub-Region leadership.
The suspect was apprehended after ONC officials received credible reports that he had been moving around the university claiming to be an authorized representative of Hajjat Namyalo and promising scholarships to students in exchange for money. The operation was led by Christopher Buyela from the ONC Head Office in Kyambogo, Regional Coordinator Namasaba Jalia, Mbale City Coordinator Wandulu Zaid, and Muzzukulu Mukasa.
According to preliminary investigations, the suspect allegedly convinced students that he had been empowered by Hajjat Namyalo to secure scholarship opportunities for them. In the process, he reportedly collected money from unsuspecting students as a requirement for processing the supposed scholarships. At least two students are already believed to have fallen victim to the scheme.
During interrogation, the suspect claimed that he was working with other unidentified individuals and admitted that he had been forwarding the money collected from students to them. He also described himself as a charity worker. However, investigators became suspicious after discovering that he could not identify or explain the recognized charity structures operating in Mbale, casting further doubt on his claims.
Speaking to the media, ONC Regional Coordinator Namasaba Jalia revealed that the breakthrough followed a tip-off from a vigilant young man identified as Yusuf, who became suspicious after noticing that the suspect was unknown within ONC structures in the Bugisu Sub-Region despite presenting himself as an ONC representative.
“Yusuf contacted us after realizing that this individual was not part of the ONC team he claimed to represent. We immediately took the matter seriously and launched investigations to establish the truth,” Namasaba explained.
She further revealed that information obtained during the investigations indicated that the suspect and his associates were operating under a group they referred to as the “Heritage Foundation” while allegedly exploiting Hajjat Namyalo’s name to deceive students and solicit money from them.
“We became concerned because innocent students were being targeted. Our mission is not only to ensure justice for those who have already been defrauded but also to uncover and bring to book everyone connected to this criminal network,” she added.
The suspect is currently being detained at IUIU Police Station and is expected to be transferred to Nakaloke Police Station as investigations continue. Security agencies are now working closely with ONC officials to trace other individuals believed to be involved in the fraudulent operation.
Mbale City Coordinator Wandulu Zaid strongly condemned the act, describing it as a deliberate attempt to tarnish the reputation of Hajjat Namyalo and exploit the trust that citizens have in government empowerment programs.
He reminded the public that the Office of the National Chairman does not charge any money for scholarships, empowerment programs, or other community support initiatives.
“Let it be known to the public that ONC does not collect even a single coin from beneficiaries in order to access empowerment opportunities. Anyone demanding money while claiming to be acting on behalf of Hajjat Namyalo or ONC should be treated as a fraudster and reported immediately,” Wandulu emphasized.
He further pledged that ONC would follow the matter to its conclusion to ensure that all those involved are held accountable.
“We shall continue pursuing this case until every individual behind this scheme is identified and prosecuted. The law must take its course without fear or favor so that those who seek to exploit the public can learn that crime does not pay,” he said.
As investigations intensify, ONC leaders have urged students and members of the public to verify all information through official channels and to report anyone demanding money in exchange for scholarships, jobs, or empowerment opportunities. The operation marks another important step in protecting the integrity of Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye’s name and ensuring that those who seek to exploit vulnerable citizens face the full force of the law.