Two arrested over impersonating soldiers on Lake Kyoga

Key suspect James Eligu following his arrest on May 3, 2026 at Kagwara Landing Site, Serere District.

Army officers attached to Lake Kyoga in Serere District have arrested two suspects accused of impersonating soldiers and soliciting money from fishermen.

The UPDF sector commander in charge of Lake Kyoga, Mr Phenehus Kyakabale Bugingo, identified the suspects as James Eligu Alianu and Solomon Alianu.

Bugingo said the suspects were arrested on Sunday following verification with UPDF leadership, which confirmed they were not members of the army.

“They are currently at Kagwara landing site police post pending further inquiries by a team of security,” Bugingo said.

He added that the suspects had allegedly been soliciting money from fishermen with false promises of safeguarding them and allowing the use of undersized fishing gear.

Bugingo said the suspects had been under surveillance for some time and warned that more arrests would follow.

He said such activities undermine efforts to curb illegal fishing on the lake.

The Resident District Commissioner of Serere, Mr John Steven Ekoom, said one of the suspects had been posing as a warrant officer.

He added that the suspects were found with money allegedly obtained from fishermen.

“From inquiries that we have made, indicate that the suspects (James Eligu) and his other colleague Solomon Alianu, are said to have also been engaged in staging road blocks and fleecing unsuspecting business persons dealing in fish of lots of money,” Ekoom said.

Ekoom said the suspects would be transferred to Serere Central Police Station for further management.

He added that one of the suspects was found with army uniform and shoes.