Victoria University Warns Public Against Fraudsters Impersonating VC Dr Lawrence Muganga

 

Victoria University Warns Public Against Fraudsters Impersonating Vice Chancellor

Victoria University Vice Chancellor Dr Lawrence Muganga

Victoria University has raised alarm over fraudsters impersonating Vice Chancellor Prof. Lawrence Muganga and soliciting money through fake research project claims. The institution has denied any involvement in the scheme and urged the public to remain vigilant.

Victoria University has issued a strong warning to the public following reports of fraudulent emails sent in the name of its Vice Chancellor, Professor Lawrence Muganga.

The emails, which claim to originate from Prof Muganga, invite recipients to participate in a so-called research collaboration involving Victoria University, the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), and Johns Hopkins University in the United States.

To join, recipients are asked to pay Shs2 million for a one-day online training, with a promise of reimbursement.

The message directs applicants to send their CVs to a Gmail address and to contact a “Dr. Richard Igela” on telephone number +256 764 214016.

However, the Nile Post has established that the number is registered to one Milly Namulindwa, not Dr Igela.

Victoria University’s Corporate and Public Relations Manager, Julius Bukyana Kato, categorically dismissed the scam, stressing that neither the Vice Chancellor nor the institution has any 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 said 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 further urged the public to exercise caution and avoid sharing personal details or money with the fraudsters.

The university has also clarified that it remains committed to its mission of offering “actionable education and upholding high standards and professionalism” and will continue delivering education aligned with global standards.

The alleged academic or administrator identified as Dr Richard Igela is not affiliated with the institution, as Bukyana confirmed that no one by that name appears on the university’s staff roll.

Authorities have been alerted to the scam, which is the latest in a wave of online fraud schemes exploiting the names of reputable institutions to swindle unsuspecting victims.