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
Report mobile money fraud to your provider immediately — funds may still be recoverable before withdrawal. If a bank account was involved, contact your bank and ask for a transaction freeze.
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