Filmmakers in Uganda are being urged to remain vigilant after renowned film producer and director Matt Bish narrowly escaped falling victim to a sophisticated scam targeting production houses and creatives.
Bish, known for his celebrated contributions to the Ugandan film industry, shared his experience in several filmmakers’ WhatsApp groups to raise awareness. According to his account, the con artists pose as representatives of Uganda Martyrs University, specifically a “Rev. Father George (Boss)” and a “Sr. Sylvia Natukunda,” and approach filmmakers with offers to document the university’s journey or take on other lucrative-sounding projects.
The scammers arrange meetings at short notice, often claiming that Rev. Father George is suddenly unavailable due to travel, leaving the filmmaker to meet with “Sister Sylvia,” allegedly in charge of budgets.
On the meeting day, the scammers introduce a twist: a request to help pay for medication for Sr. Sylvia from a doctor named “Dr. Arnold” at International Hospital Kampala (IHK). Bish said he was asked to pay UGX 350,000 to Dr. Arnold via mobile money, with instructions to meet outside the hospital gate to hand over the money — a major red flag.
Both IHK and Uganda Martyrs University have since confirmed that they have no knowledge of the individuals or the alleged project. When Bish refused to send the money, the so-called sister abruptly postponed the meeting and became agitated.
“This is heartbreaking,” Bish said. “It’s sad to see people exploiting creatives with such elaborate lies. I hope sharing my experience saves others from becoming victims.”
The phone numbers used in the scam are:
0767830828 (Rev. Father George)
0772692699 (Dr. Arnold)
0772574427 (Sr. Sylvia Natukunda)
