Pader police hold one of their own over alleged mobile money fraud

2 March 2026, 18:34

By Ekel Bonny Daniel

Police in Pader are holding one of their own officers over allegations of mobile money fraud targeting local business operators.

The suspect, identified as Olanya Albert, an officer holding the rank of Assistant Inspector of Police (AIP), was arrested following complaints from several mobile money agents who accused him of using deceptive transactions to fraudulently obtain money from them.

The arrest was confirmed during a media briefing held Monday at Pader Central Police Station by District Police Commander SP. Jackson Bogere.

Police said the officer had been under investigation after multiple reports from members of the public alleged that he had been intimidating mobile money operators and fraudulently obtaining funds from them.

Investigators say the officer allegedly used mobile money lines that were not registered in his own name, including one registered under Ojok Rupiny Danish.

Authorities believe the tactic may have helped him receive funds without immediately drawing attention to his identity.

Police moved to arrest the suspect after a recent case in which he allegedly stole UGX 250,000 from a mobile money operator.

According to investigators, preliminary findings suggest that in some instances more than one person could be defrauded in a single day.

One of the victims identified as Opio John Alfred, resident of Kineni, in Pukor sub county   reportedly lost about UGX 1.1 million in transactions linked to the suspect.

Addressing journalists, the district police commander SP. Jackson Bogore strongly condemned the alleged actions, emphasizing that such conduct does not represent the values or standards of the police force.

The commander noted that the officer’s actions were personal and that the law would take its course, adding that the suspect will be presented before court once investigations are completed.

Members of the public who believe they may have been affected have been urged to come forward and record statements with police.

Two mobile money operators have already publicly shared how the suspected fraud occurred in their shops.

One of them, Akello Blessing Brenda, operates Devine Providence Bookshop located at the corner of Poromi Guest House next to an Airtel service center in town.

She said the officer entered her shop pretending to be a customer and requested several transactions, including depositing UGX 150,000, withdrawing the same amount, and later depositing another UGX 100,000 to a mobile money account registered under Ojok Danish Rupiny.

While she briefly attended to other customers, the officer allegedly left the shop before completing the process.

Another operator, Bosco Okello, also reported losing money in a similar incident.

Bosco, who runs Last Born Motospare and Repair along Ey Komakech Road, said he initially trusted the officer because he knew him personally.

According to his account, he deposited UGX 100,000 and later added UGX 150,000 while the officer sat beside him.

When he later asked for the cash, the suspect reportedly asked him to wait and then disappeared while Bosco attended to other matters.

Both victims reported the incidents to police, prompting further investigations that eventually led to the arrest.

Authorities say the case serves as a reminder to mobile money operators to remain vigilant while conducting transactions and to report suspicious activity promptly.

Police also noted that holding officers accountable for alleged misconduct is essential to maintaining public trust in law enforcement as the investigation continues.