A suspected online fraudster, one Ssembatya Simon Peter alias Ssewajje Tony, is on the spot for receiving money by false pretense, from the public claiming that he is soliciting for funds on behalf of an ailing 10-year-old Amutuhairwe Becky. Ssembatya’s scheme came to light after it was brought to the attention of Allan Luyirika, who is Becky’s caretaker.
It all started when a lady (names withheld) read our story which had Luyirika’s numbers of MTN +256788242911 and Airtel; +256704806030, as the only lines onto which any support would be channeled. Getting suspicious, the lady contacted Luyirika and informed him that she had earlier been touched by Becky’s plight after reading an Instagram message concerning her fate. The message on Instagram along with Becky`s photo, prompted the lady to come through with some help.
Read the message; “MACSAFFoundation: She is Becky suffering with different Diseases. Hiv, heart, diseases, Lungs and Liver. We are visiting her this Sunday. She is in Mulago ICU ward. For help or more information +256700383291, +255786438948. Ssembatya Simon Peter. #savebecky @macsaf #fyp #foryoupage #uganda #kampala_tiktokers #uganda #viral #viralvideo.
On reading the message, the lady forked out UGX90k and forwarded the same through Ssembatya`s line. But on reading our story, she saw different numbers and called Luyirika for more information. It is at this time that Luyirika learnt of Ssembatya`s fraud. Luyirika says he had met the said Ssembatya when he came to visit Becky who at the time was in the ICU at Mulago hospital. He however never, at one time asked, nor tasked him to lobby for funds.
He adds that Ssembatya, on the same day delivered a package of expired yoghurt and milk. He also took pictures in what was later discovered, was a ploy to use as his cover whilst duping his targeted, unsuspecting well-wishers.
Karitas Kares Foundation, a charity organization has since taken over a drive to solicit for USD80,000 about UGX300M that is needed for a lung transplant at the MGM Health Care, Chennai, to help Becky off the dependency of oxygen machines.
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