Makerere University Police have revealed that they are registering at least two cases a week involving unofficial persons operating within the university premises who are targeting innocent freshers and fleecing them of their money.
According to a police officer operating in Makerere University who preferred to remain anonymous, fraudsters within the university are very conversant with the university systems and have been targeting new students whom they defraud ever since the university reopened for on campus studies.
“When they see you that you’re new here trying to get around in the university, they immediately approach you and befriend you trying to help or even offering some job and later they take your money. They have virtually one script they are using and we have been receiving such complaints at least twice a week.” the officer said.
At the moment, the Police at Makerere University are hunting for a fraudster who disappeared with Sh2 million belonging to a fresher who gave it to him after he offered to miraculously double it.
“Recently one student was conned by the a scammer of about 2 million with a promise of doubling the tuition money and now the fraudster has disappeared, and we’re still hunting him, but other are not reporting to us,” The officer added.
While commenting on the matter, Ezra Byakutangaza, the acting Guild President of Makerere University said it is unfortunate that the con men and thugs have increased within the university during this period.
“I am calling upon new students to use their unit leadership, college leadership and class representatives, as students leadership we have started mobilizing students to be aware of scammers and we have informed the university administration, hopefully some measures will be put in place,” Byakutangaza said.
It should be recalled that recently, a man was arrested from the university ceiling for vandalism and stealing seven laptops.
