Iganga businessman arrested for faking Shs 5m robbery

Updated by Faith Barbara N Ruhinda at 1205 EAT on Tuesday 20 October 2026

Police in Iganga have arrested businessman Mawazi Waiswa for allegedly fabricating an aggravated robbery in which he claimed to have lost Shs 4.7 million.

Waiswa is being held at Iganga Central Police Station pending further investigations and possible prosecution, according to Busoga East Police spokesperson Michael Kasadha.

Police allege that Waiswa reported the incident on October 18, 2026, claiming that four armed men intercepted him along the Iganga–Tirinyi road as he returned from delivering goods to Mbale City.

In his initial statement, Waiswa reportedly said the suspects were travelling in a Toyota RAV4 without number plates and had disguised themselves as traffic police officers. He alleged that they intercepted his truck, registration number UA 717BN, demanded money and threatened to kill him if he refused to comply.

Waiswa reportedly told police that he handed over Shs 4.7 million before reporting the incident at Iganga Central Police Station.

However, investigators reportedly became suspicious of his account, prompting the police crime intelligence team, led by Ismael Ssennono, to revisit the alleged crime scene and scrutinise his statements.

Police subsequently reviewed highway CCTV footage, which reportedly showed that the truck had not travelled beyond Iganga town on the day of the alleged robbery.

Investigators also analysed telecommunications data that reportedly placed Waiswa around Busei village in Nakalama Sub-county, Iganga District, on October 18, contradicting his account of being attacked along the highway.

Police re-interrogated Waiswa on the evening of October 19, when he allegedly admitted that the robbery had been fabricated.

According to police, Waiswa told investigators that he had made up the story to pressure the truck’s owner into paying him Shs 1.4 million in outstanding commission from a vehicle sale.

He reportedly said he had brokered the sale of truck UA 717BN alongside a colleague, Ramadthan Owor, who allegedly refused to pay him his commission after the transaction.

Kasadha said giving false information to police contravenes Section 115 of the Penal Code Act, adding that Waiswa would be charged in court.

He warned that fabricated crime reports divert police personnel and other resources from investigating genuine cases and responding to security threats.

Kasadha also revealed that two other suspects allegedly involved in fabricating the robbery report had been arrested and detained at Iganga Central Police Station.

He urged the public to provide truthful information when reporting crimes, warning that false complaints place an unnecessary burden on investigators and delay responses to genuine cases.

-Observer

Invest or Donate towards HICGI New Agency Global Media Establishment – Watch video here