Security agencies in Uganda have dismantled a suspected international drug trafficking and identity fraud syndicate operating in Kampala, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs Uganda.
The operation was carried out through coordinated intelligence work involving the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control and other security units targeting what officials described as a sophisticated criminal network involving both Ugandan and foreign nationals.
Ministry spokesperson Simon Peter Mundeyi said the network was allegedly led by Keith Mugisha, also known as “King Keith,” who is accused of running shell companies linked to drug trafficking, document forgery, and impersonation of government and security officials.
Investigators allege that Mugisha was previously convicted in 2010 after being arrested at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport with cocaine allegedly originating from Brazil. He is said to have served a 12-year sentence in Kenya before later resurfacing in transnational criminal investigations.
Authorities further claim that the suspect holds multiple passports and national identity documents from different countries and used forged documents allegedly linked to the Office of the President to facilitate his operations.
He is also accused of impersonating security and diplomatic officials while using luxury vehicles fitted with illegal sirens.
His alleged accomplice, Ikemefuna Winner Chekwubechukwu, is accused of fraudulently obtaining a Ugandan national identity card and is currently on the run in Brazil.
Two other Nigerian nationals linked to the network are already in custody.
Security agencies said searches conducted at suspected premises recovered firearms, live ammunition, multiple passports, military-style uniforms, communication equipment, and forged official documents.
“The Ministry emphasizes that Uganda maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards drug trafficking and the misuse of military hardware,” Mundeyi said.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing in collaboration with international partners to track down remaining suspects and dismantle the wider network.
A full audit of immigration and identity records linked to the case is also underway.
The Ministry has urged members of the public to report cases of impersonation, illegal drug activity, and suspicious use of official symbols to security agencies as part of ongoing efforts to combat organised crime.