Yumbe duo arrested over fake academic papers in police recruitment

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Two men have been arrested and detained at Yumbe Central Police Station after they were found in possession of forged academic documents during the police constable recruitment exercise held in Yumbe district on Monday, May 5, 2025.

Charles Bakole, a resident of Kochi subcounty, and Vuruku Sorry Levy, a resident of Yumbe town council, successfully passed the initial stages of the recruitment process. These included academic document verification, physical fitness tests, medical examinations and a written test.

However, their luck ran out during the final interview stage, where they were questioned by a panel of senior police officers, including a team leader from the Police Headquarters and the regional police commander for the North West Nile region.

Police officers checking the documents of Charles Bakole after his arrest before he was arrested and taken to Yumbe Central Police Station. (Photo by Adam Gule)

It was at this point that discrepancies in their academic documents were discovered. In Bakole’s case, he had presented a Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) with falsified grades, allegedly issued by Nipata Senior Secondary School in Yumbe District.

A detailed verification process involving the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) confirmed that the certificate was forged. He was immediately arrested, handcuffed, and taken to Yumbe Central Police Station, where he is currently in custody.

Shortly after, Vuruku was also found with documents containing two different sets of names. Upon inquiry, he claimed both names were his. This prompted the recruitment team to refer him to the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) for verification. He later returned with one of the names in the documents crossed out to match the name he intended to use.

The recruitment team contacted UNEB to further investigate his case. The board confirmed that the academic documents were also forged. Just like his colleague, Vuruku was arrested and handcuffed before being detained at Yumbe Central Police Station.

Speaking to the press, North West Nile Police spokesperson Ignatius Dragudu confirmed the incidents.

He said the offences occurred despite prior warnings issued to all candidates before the exercise began.

Police officers checking the documents of Charles Bakole after his arrest before he was arrested and taken to Yumbe Central Police Station. (Photo by Adam Gule)

“We had clearly advised all candidates to voluntarily surrender fake academic documents before the process began. Unfortunately, Bakole and his colleague chose deception, and the law has taken its course,” Dragudu said.

He added that the duo will be presented before court to face charges of forgery, contrary to the Penal Code Act.

Dragudu urged the public to refrain from engaging in such unlawful practices, warning that they attract serious consequences when prosecuted.

“People should send their children to school to study so that they can compete favourably with others in the country,” he said.