FRAUD ALERT! Victoria University Warns Public As Fraudsters Impersonate Prof. Muganga In Email Scam

By Frank Kamuntu

Victoria University has issued a stern warning to the public after uncovering a fraudulent scheme in which criminals are impersonating its Vice Chancellor, Prof. Lawrence Muganga, to extort money from unsuspecting victims.

The fraudsters, using email and telephone communication, have been sending out messages inviting individuals to participate in what they describe as a “research collaboration” involving Victoria University, the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), and Johns Hopkins University in the United States. Victims are asked to pay Shs2 million for a one-day online training session, with a false promise of reimbursement.

Recipients are further instructed to send their CVs to a Gmail account and to contact a so-called “Dr. Richard Igela” through the telephone number +256 764 214016. However, investigations by Swift News revealed that the number is registered to one Milly Namulindwa, raising more red flags about the scam.

Victoria University has strongly distanced itself from the scheme. Julius Bukyana, the Corporate and Public Relations Manager of the institution, said the university and Prof. Muganga have no connection to the project.

“Our attention has been drawn to numerous emails sent to various individuals from fraudulent, ill-intentioned people purporting to be our Vice Chancellor, Prof. Lawrence Muganga, requesting funds to participate in a fake project,” Bukyana noted in a public notice issued on September 27, 2025.

“We would like to state categorically that our Vice Chancellor is in no way connected to that project, nor is Victoria University.”

He cautioned the public against sharing personal information or money with individuals behind the scam and urged vigilance to avoid falling victim to similar fraud schemes.

The university also clarified that no person by the name “Dr. Richard Igela” is on its staff roll, dismissing the claims as baseless.

Victoria University reaffirmed its commitment to offering actionable education, upholding high standards of professionalism, and delivering programs aligned with fast-paced global standards.

Authorities have been alerted to the matter, which is part of a growing trend of cybercriminals exploiting the names of reputable institutions and personalities to defraud the public.