Global Politics
UGANDA: I WAS SCAMMED GLORIA TO MEET GEN. SALEH: AWAKE UPCALL FOR UGANDA INVESTMENT CLIMATE
A wake up
GULU CITY-TUESDAY,JUNE 10,2025.
By Gloria Kamira Lukalu
In early 2025, I, Gloria Kamira Lukalu, a Ugandan-American entrepreneur and founder of a U.S.-based tech company, arrived in Uganda with sincere intentions—to empower youth, establish innovation hubs, and collaborate with national initiatives like Operation Wealth Creation. What I did not expect was to be swept into a high-stakes fraud that would cost me over USD 21,000, inflict emotional trauma, and raise troubling questions about Uganda’s investment environment.
The Orchestrated Scam
My ordeal began with an introduction to Mr. Ssebandeke Kiyimba Eddie, who quickly offered to help me secure office space and introduced me to political figures. One of them, Deborah R., was said to be contesting for MP in Lyantonde, and I was encouraged to join her campaign team.
From there, I was introduced to Mr. Asaph Nahurira, allegedly a police officer with close ties to General Muhoozi Kainerugaba (MK). Together, Eddie and Asaph presented an opportunity for my company, Exutory, to sponsor the MK Birthday Run, claiming it would be a gateway to meet high-ranking officials.
Despite my hesitation, I agreed and paid for event branding, travel, and logistics none of which materialized. I arrived to find no branding, no event presence, and no meeting with Gen. Muhoozi. Instead, I was inundated with more requests for money.
Enter Sylvia Owori and the ‘Saleh Appointment’
In the month of May , Asaph and Eddie introduced me to Sylvia Owori, who they claimed was a powerful Lady to General Salim Saleh under Operation Wealth Creation. Owori allegedly promised to facilitate a one-on-one meeting in Gulu, conditional upon further payments.
I was told to pay a man named Kirabira, one of her reported associates, to secure the final appointment. After transferring the funds and flying business class to Gulu at my own cost, I was informed that General Saleh had “left for Congo.” Owori postponed the meeting, and Kirabira and others vanished from the venue with no follow-up.
To make matters worse, I covered hotel accommodation, entertainment, and logistics for the very people defrauding me. My laptop charger, camera, and personal items were also stolen. When I began demanding answers, I received threats targeting me and my children.
#Case reported at Gulu Central police station CRB/SD Ref. and one suspect by the name Mr. Asaph Nahurira has been arrested but Sylvia Awori , kirabila are still at large in the office of Gen.saleh and others like Eddie are at large in kampala.
Total Losses:
Between office rental scams, event sponsorships, false meetings, and stolen belongings, my total loss exceeded USD 21,000 a painful price for believing in the promise of partnership and progress in Uganda.
Why This Story Matters
This is not just about me.
It’s about:
The reputational damage to Uganda’s public institutions.
The unchecked exploitation of names like General Saleh and Operation Wealth Creation.
The chilling message this sends to international investors and diaspora professionals.
Uganda risks becoming a cautionary tale if urgent steps are not taken.
A Call to Action
I respectfully call upon:
General Salim Saleh
The leadership of Operation Wealth Creation
Uganda Police Force and security agencies
To:
Investigate and hold those behind these impersonation scams.
Protect Uganda’s reputation by restoring transparency.
Ensure that no one else Ugandan or foreigner is subjected to such organized deceit
Uganda Deserves Better
Uganda is a land of talent, resilience, and opportunity. But we cannot allow corruption and fraud to overshadow its promise. We must stand together to expose these practices and reclaim integrity in our institutions.
Final Words
I came to give back, but I was taken advantage of. Still, I believe in Uganda.
Let this be a *wake up call *for leaders, investors, and every citizen who wants better.
