A 75-year-old councillor for the elderly in Kawempe Division, Kampala, has reportedly lost more than Shs500 million to a suspected conman who promised to secure him a ministerial appointment.
The victim, Daniel Mayombwe, told the Kanyanya Magistrates Court that he was deceived by Siraje Luyinda, who claimed to have powerful connections in State House and the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
According to court records, the alleged fraud began in June 2023, when Luyinda approached Mayombwe, convincing him that he could help him become a minister for the elderly. [WATCH VIDEO]
“He told me he had direct access to people close to the President and that my name was already being considered,” Mayombwe told court, adding that as a loyal NRM supporter, he believed the offer was genuine.
Mayombwe said he was instructed to make several payments to facilitate “documentation and clearances” for the ministerial job.
“At first, I used my own savings. Later, I withdrew all my money from the bank, borrowed from my wife, and even from neighbours, all in the hope that I would be appointed,” he said tearfully.
He added that Luyinda even took him to a car bond in Kampala and told him to choose a vehicle, saying it was a gift from President Museveni once his appointment was confirmed.
“He told me the President would give me a Pajero as a minister. We even took photos,” Mayombwe said.
However, when months passed without any appointment, the councillor became suspicious and reported the matter to police, leading to Luyinda’s arrest.
Exim Bank escapes Shs 350 million lawsuit due to filing error
In court on Wednesday, Chief Magistrate Roseline Nsenge said the accused had pleaded guilty to obtaining money by false pretence.
Nsenga, however, granted Luyinda four days to try and recover part of the money for the victim.
“This court wants to see justice done. The complainant must be compensated before sentencing,” she said.
The state attorney asked the court to hand Luyinda the maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and ensure that compensation is part of the judgment.
The case was adjourned to November 14 2025 to allow the accused to access his phone and contact associates he claimed could help him raise some money to refund Mayombwe.
