Uganda Police have arrested a man accused of running an online fraud scheme that allegedly targeted foreign tourists seeking car hire, gorilla permits and other tourism services.
The suspect, identified as Faisal Kimuli, was arrested on October 2, 2026, following investigations by the Tourism Police into complaints lodged by tourists who allegedly lost money to a purported car-hire and tour company known as FK Car Rental.
According to Uganda Police Force, investigations were launched after a Russian tourist reported on August 16 that he had paid USD 2,215 to FK Car Rental to hire a vehicle that was never delivered.
Police said the company's website was taken down shortly after the payment was made, while telephone numbers linked to the business were switched off.
Further complaints from other foreign tourists allegedly exposed a similar pattern involving the same operator. Police said several online platforms were being used to advertise gorilla permits, safari packages, four-wheel-drive vehicle hire and other tourism-related services.
The Tourism Police said the suspect allegedly used professionally designed advertisements and photographs taken with genuine tourists to make the operations appear legitimate.
According to the police statement issued by ACP R. Kituuma, Kimuli allegedly operated using several identities, including “Becky,” “Kim Quinn” and “Habimana Samuel.”
He reportedly attracted customers by offering tourism services at prices significantly lower than prevailing market rates before asking them to make advance payments through mobile money or bank transfers.
Police said most communication with the tourists was conducted through WhatsApp. After receiving payments, the suspect allegedly claimed to be outside Uganda and became unreachable.
Investigators also established that he frequently changed telephone numbers, mobile devices, financial accounts and websites, allegedly in an effort to avoid detection.
Police said investigations remain ongoing to determine the full extent of the alleged fraud, identify additional victims and establish whether other people were involved.
Authorities are also working to trace and recover funds allegedly obtained through the fraudulent activities.
Police have urged tourists and members of the public to exercise caution when booking tourism services online, particularly when making advance payments.
Tourists seeking gorilla permits have been advised to obtain them directly through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or use tourism operators licensed by the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB).
Anyone who may have sent money to accounts or telephone numbers linked to Kimuli, or who believes they may have fallen victim to similar tourism-related fraud, has been asked to report to Katwe Police Station or the nearest police station.