Kampala Metropolitan police are investigating a report of fraud at Kenya’s coffee shop chain Java House in Bugolobi, Kampala.
According to police, the suspected crime was reported at around 2.30 p.m. on Monday when distressed Ugandan youth numbering about 100 lost Shillings 900,000 each to the conman for employment.
Eyewitnesses said several people turned up for interviews by 7:00am this morning.
The distressed applicants had been conned by fraudsters who posed as workers from Java House Human Resource department who sent them ‘appointment letters’ that were in the Java House letterheads was signed by Nickson Wakhungu.
The ‘appointment letter’ read;
“Following your application to work at our new branch in Kampala, we are pleased to offer you employment at our branch effective from November 13th 2017. You will undergo, a one week training to learn more about our standards of service delivery. Once the training is complete, you will be posted to your work immediately.’’
Samuel Ekuru, the Head of Security at Java House was accused by the victims of haughtiness and physical assault. Police said the incident is still under investigation.
Java House has been in existence for the last 15 years running several coffee shops in Kenya.
They are also involved in the exportation of coffee in Kenya.
With its expansion into Uganda, the coffee shop chain was looking to tap into the emerging middle class and consumer trends in the country.
Troubled history in Uganda
August 15, 2013. Nairobi Java House files an application to register a trademark in Uganda.
October 24, 2013. Mandela Auto Spares files an objection to the application.
May 21, 2015. The registrar of Trademarks rules in favour of Mandela Auto Spares.
June 4, 2015. Nairobi Java House appeals the decision of the registrar.
February 6, 2016. High Court rules in favour of Nairobi Java House.
November 13, 2017. Ugandans conned with fake job promises at Java House.
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