At least 43 Ugandans have fallen victim to a job recruitment scam, losing Shs 22 million each, in a fraudulent scheme promising lucrative positions in Israel. The scam was reportedly orchestrated by two Ugandans, Jackline Mbulateire and Andrew Sekimuli.
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Mbulateire and Sekimuli ran a fake online tours and travel company, Akia Guest Tours Limited, falsely advertising external job opportunities with the Israeli government and other European countries. The company claimed to operate from Lubaga Cathedral, but crime intelligence officers have been unable to locate its premises. Despite extensive searches, both covert and overt operatives have failed to identify the building housing Akia Guest Tours Ltd.
Simon Peter Mundeyi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Internal Affairs, reported that security agencies initiated a manhunt for Mbulateire and Sekimuli after the victims, defrauded of a total of Shs 943 million, sought help from the ministry.
“These people were promised lucrative jobs in Israel where they would earn Shs 22 million every month. To secure the jobs, the fraudsters demanded Shs 22 million from each victim and then disappeared. We have tried to search for these premises, but they are nowhere to be seen at Lubaga Cathedral,” Mundeyi stated.
Investigations revealed that Mbulateire served as the manager of Akia Guest Tours Ltd, while Sekimuli was presented as a co-founder. Intelligence suggests that Sekimuli recently obtained a US visa, possibly intending to flee the country.
“We have circulated Sekimuli and Jackie’s pictures in every system to ensure their arrest and prevent them from escaping justice. We are actively searching for them and have alerted our teams to be on high alert,” security officials indicated.
This scam coincides with the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where Israel has intensified military operations against Hamas since October 7, 2023. Fraudsters have exploited the situation, falsely advertising job opportunities for young, able-bodied individuals to be recruited as fighters.
They have also claimed high demand for professionals such as doctors, engineers, and IT specialists. Similar fraudulent schemes emerged during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, with some Ugandans falling victim then as well.
