Kabale District Police on Thursday evening arrested 72 youths in connection with an alleged nationwide job scam operation targeting people across Uganda. The arrests were carried out during a police operation at the Gleam Supermarket building along the Kabale–Mbarara Road in Central Division, Kabale Municipality, led by Deputy Resident District Commissioner Michael Kyakashari.

According to Kyakashari, 61 of the arrested youths are believed to have been victims, lured from various districts with promises of lucrative employment opportunities. The victims were reportedly required to pay a registration fee of Shs150,000, with the assurance of securing well-paying jobs. Some were later pressured to request additional money from their relatives, with total amounts ranging between Shs1.7 million and Shs2.13 million.

The remaining 11 suspects are alleged to be the masterminds behind the recruitment and training scheme, operating under a company called Canan Dream Visionaries Limited. Kyakashari said the suspects could face charges including human trafficking and involvement in rebel activities once investigations are complete. The group included both males and females, with victims recruited from districts such as Manafwa, Namisindwa, Kween, Pallisa, Iganga, Soroti, Mbarara, Ntungamo, Rukungiri, Rukiga, Rubanda, Kanungu, Kiruhura, and Kisoro.

Some of the alleged victims, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that after initially paying the Shs150,000 registration fee, they were forced to ask their families for more money after being promised lucrative employment opportunities. The arrests have highlighted the ongoing issue of job scams and fraudulent recruitment schemes targeting Ugandans.

The suspects remain detained at Kabale Central Police Station as authorities continue their investigations. Police have urged the public to exercise caution when applying for jobs that require upfront payments and to report any suspicious recruitment activities immediately. This case serves as a reminder for job seekers to remain vigilant and verify employment opportunities before making any financial commitments.

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