The Uganda People’s Defence Force – UPDF has warned the public about conmen who are soliciting money from unsuspecting members of the public in the name of collecting financial assistance for CMI boss Gen Abel Kandiho.

The warning was issued by UPDF spokesperson Brig. Flavia Byekwaso in a message read by Police spokesperson CP Fred Enanga at the weekly security briefing on Monday morning.

“There are conmen soliciting funds in an act of extortion claiming that CMI Director General Abel Kandiho is seeking assistance since the United States put sanctions on him. We would like to inform the public that this is not true,” Enanga said.

“There isn’t anywhere that the General has come out to solicit funds. It’s not even necessary. He is not a needy person and can self sustain,” he added.

Earlier in December, the US slapped sanctions on Gen Kandiho blaming him of being “personally involved in the abduction and torture of government critics.”

United States Department of the Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control-OFAC designated Kandiho as a person who has been involved in numerous human rights violations and as a result, banned him from travelling or conducting business in the US.

The sanctions raised dust among security personnel and other high ranking government officials who said the act by the US government could alienate them against their allies.

While this happened, other opportunists used the chance to con and solicit money from unsuspecting members of the public saying the the spy chief needed financial assistance.

But Byekwaso has warned the public that they should not allow to be be duped by people who are pushing their selfish interests.

“All who have been duped are encouraged to report to Police CID headquarters to have the issues investigated,” she added.