The Anti-Corruption Court has sentenced Lubega Mohammad to six months’ imprisonment at Luzira Prison after he was found guilty of impersonating the Commissioner General of the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), John Musinguzi, and obtaining money by false pretenses from an unsuspecting victim, Kamugisha Joseph.
It is alleged that on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at St. Racheal Church of Uganda, Bulange Zone in Rubaga Division, shortly after prayers, Lubega Mohammad introduced himself to Kawaga Paul, the Head of Laity at Kazo Archdeaconry, claiming to be the URA Commissioner General. He told Kawaga that he was looking for a trustworthy individual to hire as a driver.
Believing the claim, Kawaga recommended Kamugisha Joseph. Later that evening, Lubega contacted Kamugisha and asked him to send Shs 688,000 to purchase a phone for official use, with the promise of meeting him at the URA headquarters in Nakawa on Monday, January 13, 2025.
Kamugisha sent the money and was instructed to report to URA Nakawa to start work. However, upon arriving at URA the next day, he did not find Lubega, and all attempts to contact him failed as his phone was switched off. Kamugisha then reported the matter to the Commissioner for Tax Investigations.
Lubega Mohammad was tracked and arrested by the Uganda Police. During interrogation, he admitted to the offense and provided a full confession. He was subsequently charged in the Anti-Corruption Court with impersonating a public officer and obtaining money by false pretenses.
He pleaded guilty to the charges and was convicted on his own plea, resulting in a six-month sentence at Luzira Prison.
In a related case, Cyubahiro Ivan was also arraigned in court for impersonating the URA Commissioner General. He pleaded guilty, was convicted, and sentenced to one year of imprisonment at Luzira Prison.
The Uganda Revenue Authority has issued a warning to the public against such fraudulent conduct and affirmed its commitment to prosecuting anyone involved in similar crimes or other tax-related offenses. The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspected tax fraud to URA for proper investigation.
