Uganda Police Force has arrested Tusubira Annet, the proprietor and operator of Tubaale Safaris, over allegations that she received money from foreign tourists for safari bookings but failed to provide the agreed services.
Officers from Jinja Central Police Station arrested the suspect on 30 October 2026 following several complaints. She has since been taken to court on allegations of obtaining money by false pretences.
Police Spokesperson Kituume Rusoke said the bookings were made through the company’s website, email and WhatsApp. He said that on 18 July 2026, Annet allegedly obtained approximately USD 12,000 from a foreign tourist, and the matter was reported at Masindi Police Station.
On 31 July 2026, she allegedly obtained USD 8,400 from a British tourist, a case reported at Entebbe Central Police Station.
Rusoke added that on 19 August 2026, she allegedly obtained USD 12,966 from an American couple, and the matter was reported at Pakwach Police Station. On 30 October 2026, she allegedly obtained a further USD 6,228 in another transaction that was reported to police in Entebbe. He said the reported amounts exceed USD 30,000.
According to Rusoke, information available to police indicates that the Uganda Tourism Board withdrew Tubaale Safaris’ operating licence on 21 July 2026. Police allege that the operator continued to accept bookings and payments after that date.
Rusoke appealed to other possible victims to come forward. “Anyone with a complaint against Tubaale Safaris is urged to report to Jinja Central Police Station or the nearest police station,” he said.
He added that complainants should provide booking confirmations, payment records, correspondence and any other relevant evidence to assist investigations.
In an advisory to tourists and the public, Rusoke urged travellers to verify an operator’s current licensing status with the Uganda Tourism Board before booking or making payment. The list of licensed operators is available on the Board’s website.
He also advised tourists to confirm that the business name on booking documents matches the operator’s licensing details, and to seek clarification if a different name appears on the payment account.
Rusoke further advised tourists to obtain a written itinerary, a clear breakdown of costs, payment terms, and cancellation or refund conditions. They should use traceable payment methods and keep all receipts, transaction references and correspondence.
He also cautioned against relying solely on a website, social-media account or WhatsApp conversation, and urged tourists to verify an operator’s contact details independently.
Anyone who suspects fraud should report it promptly to the nearest police station, the Uganda Tourism Board or the Tourism Police Unit. Contacts for Police Tourism Commanders are also available on the Uganda Tourism Board website.
