Headteachers targeted in latest ransom scams

So far, two headteachers in Nabweru, have been contacted by an anonymous caller on phone number 0700514784, where the persons behind the call, claim to have been hired from Luwero, to purposely burn their schools.

"On June 24, they called and issued threats to the Headteacher of Exford Nursery and Primary School, Nkoyoyo Joseph, at around 1:40pm after getting his number from the school sign post. A similar threat of arson, was made to the headteacher of Prosper Junior School, Ms. Kuliro Mary Treasure, by anonymous callers on the same number. After failed attempts, another caller used the same number, to demand Ugx 150,000/= from the headteachers, claiming he knew the owners of the school, and wanted to volunteer information to them. So far, 12 suspects have been arrested and are thoroughly being screened at Nabweru police," Police Spokesman Fred Enanga says.

He adds, "We want to assure the headteachers and the public that this is a scam, designed to scare them, into handing over money without seeking any further assistance. We do thank them for being responsible and encourage other potential victims, to report such scams to police, to help dismantle such extortion gangs and to help us monitor trends."

Police urges all members of the public to be very cautious while communicating on phone and avoid sharing any personal information with strangers. Criminals get contacts from signposts, business cards or randomly and then demand money or forms in exchange for not causing damage to property or life.