crime 16 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Suspected UPDF Impersonator Nabbed in Soroti for Fraud
Police in Soroti have arrested a 35-year-old man, Jonathan Ochola, accused of impersonating a UPDF Colonel to defraud the public and illegally possessing military attire. He allegedly extorted money by promising to secure bail for a remand inmate. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/suspected-fake-updf-colonel-arrested-in-soroti-over-fraud-theft-5634412
Authorities in the East Kyoga region have taken into custody a 35-year-old man suspected of posing as a Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Colonel. Jonathan Ochola, also known by aliases Peter Ekotu and Onoria, was arrested in Soroti City following complaints from Katakwi District.
According to East Kyoga Regional Police Commander Ibrahim Saiga, Ochola allegedly impersonated several officers, including one named Colonel Peter Ekotu from the State House Anti-Corruption Unit. He is accused of defrauding a parent of an inmate out of Shs 1.2 million, promising to facilitate bail at the Soroti High Court.
Initial investigations suggest Ochola targeted the father of a murder suspect held at Katakwi Government Prison. Beyond the bail scam, Saiga indicated that the suspect also allegedly used threats and intimidation to solicit funds from various public officials. Eyewitnesses reported seeing Ochola on multiple occasions wearing UPDF military fatigues.
A search of Ochola’s residence uncovered two pairs of UPDF uniforms, desert boots, a UPDF bag, a cap, and numerous official documents. The recovered items included Parish Development Model (PDM) documents from Abim District, inmate lists, and other UPDF-related paperwork.
Ochola is currently detained at the Soroti City East Police Division, where he is undergoing further interrogation. Police are urging the public to exercise caution and report any suspicious activities related to impersonation or fraud to their nearest police station.