Self-Styled Bishop Arrested Over Alleged Fraud

Aaron Siribaleka, a self-styled bishop in Lwengohas been sent to Luzira for allegedly conning parents of their money totalling to shs 175M.

Siribaleka who runs a charity organization called Youth Vulnerable Children and Orphans (YVCO) lured unsuspecting parents to give him money on the pretext that his organization was going to up and educate their children. The organization is based in Lwengo district.

Appearing before Buganda Road Magistrate Court on Wednesday, Siribaleka was charged with 15 counts of obtaining money by false pretence. He was charged together with his co-director Joram Bukema, 38, residing at Kawaala, Rubaga North division in Kampala and Jode Kalanzi, 45, a pastor who resides at Yesu amala Zone, Nansana town council in Wakiso district.

The prosecution told court that the accused and others still at large, in 2019 with intent to defraud, obtained over Shs46m from Vincent Ouma, ShS18m from Catherine Katumba and Julius Lukyamuzi by pretending that they were going to top up school fees for their children, whereas not.

They also fleeced Shs10m from Rose Nantale, over Shs8m from Deborah Kitonsi, over Shs7m from Julius Luyimbazi and Shs2m from Annet Karuuba.

That over Shs4m was obtained from Mary Nawooma, over Shs3m from Willington Twinomujuni and Betty Oyella.

Siribaleka says his organization provides childcare, education and health services to less advantaged children.

Trail magistrate, Asuman Muhumuza gave the suspects bond on the condition that they deposit 2M each which they failed to do. This prompted the magistrate to remand to Luzira until March 20.

Charity Mbabazi