Security agencies have intensified investigations into an alleged international criminal syndicate after the arrest of Kampala-based businessman Keith King Mugisha, who is accused of masterminding a cross-border operation linked to narcotics trafficking, identity fraud, and impersonation of government officials.
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the operation was carried out jointly with other security agencies following intelligence reports pointing to the existence of a highly organised network operating within Uganda and across several countries.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Ministry spokesperson Simon Peter Mundeyi said the suspect is believed to have coordinated the activities of the racket from Kampala together with a number of foreign associates.
Mugisha, a resident of Nsasa Cell in Kira Municipality and proprietor of Keith King Group of Companies, is alleged to have been involved in drug trafficking operations stretching beyond Uganda’s borders. Authorities claim the network engaged in document falsification, identity fraud, and impersonation of security personnel to facilitate its activities.
Investigators further revealed that Mugisha allegedly has a criminal history related to narcotics trafficking. Security agencies say he was arrested in Kenya in 2010 at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport over cocaine trafficking allegations involving Brazil and later served a lengthy prison sentence.
Officials now accuse him of operating under several identities and possessing multiple travel documents from different countries, including passports allegedly linked to Seychelles, Belgium, Eswatini, the United Kingdom, and Brazil. Authorities also claim he possessed national identification documents from Kenya and Nigeria.
Security agencies allege the suspect frequently disguised himself as a senior government or military official to avoid scrutiny at security checkpoints. He is accused of moving in luxury vehicles fitted with unauthorized sirens while dressed in military-style attire and falsely presenting himself as attached to the Office of the President or the armed forces.
Authorities also claim his residence was designed to project diplomatic status, reportedly displaying signage identifying it as an ambassadorial residence.
The Ministry said several foreign nationals, particularly Nigerians believed to be connected to the alleged syndicate, have already been arrested, while others remain at large. Mugisha’s wife is also wanted by investigators over accusations of fraudulently acquiring Ugandan identification documents and is believed to have fled to Brazil.
During raids conducted at various premises, security operatives reportedly recovered firearms, ammunition, passports, communication gadgets, military-style equipment, and documents suspected to have been forged.
Mundeyi said Ugandan authorities are now working closely with international security agencies to trace and apprehend additional suspects linked to the network.
He also appealed to members of the public to cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspected drug-related crimes and cases involving impersonation of government officials.
Investigations into the alleged transnational racket are still ongoing.
