Uganda Scams: Mobile Money, Online & Investment Fraud Guide
Common scams in Uganda and how to report them to the Uganda Police Force, CID Cybercrime Unit, and your mobile money provider.
Emergency number: 999 or 112 — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Uganda has one of Africa's fastest-growing mobile money ecosystems (led by MTN Mobile Money and Airtel Money), which makes mobile money fraud a primary concern alongside online shopping scams, investment fraud, and fake job offers. The Uganda Police Force (UPF) handles criminal complaints; its CID Cybercrime Unit at Kibuli Headquarters can be reached on the toll-free line 0800199499. General police emergencies are handled on 999 or 112. Reporting mobile money fraud to your provider as quickly as possible is the most time-sensitive step.
Common scams
- Mobile money fraud — social engineering to authorise MTN or Airtel Money transfers
- Fake job offers requiring upfront fees for visa or training
- Online shopping non-delivery via social media platforms
- Investment and pyramid scheme fraud
Tourist-specific scams
- Unofficial and overcharging taxi operators near Entebbe and Kampala
- Fake tour operators for gorilla trekking and wildlife safaris
- Counterfeit goods and aggressive street-side commission scams
Online shopping scams
- Fake online shops and social media marketplace fraud
- Phishing targeting mobile banking and mobile money credentials
- Crypto and 'AI trading' investment platform scams
Job scams
- Fake job offers demanding upfront payments for visas, medical exams, or training
- Task scams via WhatsApp or Telegram
Romance scams
- Dating-app and Facebook romance with escalating requests for mobile money transfers
- Long-distance relationships used to introduce crypto investment platforms
Investment scams
- Pyramid and multi-level investment schemes
- Fake forex and cryptocurrency trading platforms
How to report a scam here
- Report mobile money fraud to your provider immediately — MTN: 0800 316 316; Airtel: 0800 100 100
- Call the Uganda Police Force on 999 or 112, or call the toll-free CID Cybercrime line 0800199499
- Visit the Uganda Police Force website at upf.go.ug for guidance and station locations
- Preserve all evidence: mobile money references, sender numbers, screenshots, and chat logs
Local reporting & protection links
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Bank & payment guidance
Mobile money is the most time-sensitive part, so call your provider first, MTN on 0800 316 316 or Airtel on 0800 100 100, since funds may still be recoverable before withdrawal. Give them the transaction reference and the number that received the money. If a bank account was used, contact your bank through the number on your card or in its app, explain that you were deceived into authorising the payment, and ask for a transaction freeze and a reference number for the report.
Evidence to preserve
- Screenshot all messages, profiles, websites and payment pages
- Save transaction references, account numbers and crypto wallet addresses
- Keep emails with full headers where possible
- Note dates, times, names and phone numbers used
Frequently asked questions
What is the UPF CID Cybercrime Unit?
The CID Cybercrime Unit is a specialist unit of the Uganda Police Force located at Kibuli Headquarters. It investigates online fraud, mobile money scams, and other cybercrime. You can contact them on the toll-free line 0800199499 or visit in person.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance