Police in Kisoro District are holding two Rwandan nationals accused of posing as prophets and using fake spiritual messages to steal money from unsuspecting Ugandans.
The suspects, identified as 35-year-old film actor Mutuyomana Fols from Musanze District and 34-year-old electrician Mpakaniye Jelome from Nemba Parish, were captured after several residents reported being conned in the name of prayer.
According to investigators, the two entered Uganda pretending to be men of God who could deliver “prophecies” and blessings. They reportedly targeted people by phone, introducing themselves as trusted relatives or church members before demanding money for prayers and cleansing rituals.
One of their victims, Moreen Okanyereka, who works at Olexy Petrol Station in Kisoro, told police that on July 23, 2025, she received a call from someone claiming to be her sister “Judith” from Mutorele Parish. The caller said she had received a message from God about her life and asked her to attend prayer sessions over the phone.
Believing the story, Moreen later sent UGX 800,000 to the pair, who promised to pray for her problems. When she later discovered the deception, she reported the matter to Kisoro Central Police Station.
A second victim, George Nteziyaremye from Rubuguri Town Council, also fell into their trap on August 5. He said the suspects told him to take UGX 400,000 and a bottle of water to Shaaza Playground for “spiritual cleansing.” They instructed him to leave the items inside a public toilet and go home for blessings.
George suspected something was wrong and hid nearby. He reportedly watched the two men approach the toilet and quickly alerted a police officer, who helped arrest them on the spot.
When questioned, the suspects denied any wrongdoing. They claimed they had simply crossed into Uganda to visit a friend and had borrowed a phone at the border. They further told police that they were heading to Shaaza Health Center III for medical treatment when they were arrested.
However, police dismissed their explanation after gathering evidence from multiple victims and matching phone call records.
ASP Boaz Arinaitwe, the Community Liaison Officer at Kisoro Central Police Station, confirmed the arrests and said such cases of fake prophets were becoming common in the district. He warned residents against sending money to strangers who claim to offer miracles.
Arinaitwe said the suspects face theft and fraud charges and are still in custody as investigations continue.
He urged the public to remain alert, noting that many conmen now use religion as a disguise to cheat believers out of their savings.
