Police in Kampala have arrested a man accused of repeatedly deceiving church congregations by falsely claiming that his daughter had died in order to solicit condolence money.
The suspect, identified as 36-year-old David Ashabahebwa, a resident of Nsambya Kirombe Zone in Makindye Division, was arrested on Sunday at St Stephen’s Church of Uganda in Nsambya.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, Superintendent of Police Racheal Kawala, Ashabahebwa approached the church leadership and congregation towards the end of the service, claiming that he had lost his nine-year-old daughter and was seeking financial support.
However, his plan was exposed when a reverend from Gayaza, who was attending the same service, recognised him and alerted the congregation. The cleric reportedly told church members that Ashabahebwa had previously used the same story to obtain money from their church.
“It is alleged that the suspect moves from church to church pretending that his nine-year-old daughter has died, with the intention of getting money from well-wishers,” Kawala said.
Police have since opened a case of obtaining money by false pretence, as investigations continue to establish how many churches may have fallen victim to the scam.
Ashabahebwa is currently being held at Kabalagala Police Station as inquiries into the matter proceed.
