The quest for Uganda's ministerial posts can only be told by one Mr Franklyn Babibasa’s cunning act to extort millions of shillings from MPs promising to help them to secure Cabinet slots.

Mr Babibasa, disguised as Brig Ronnie Balya - the Director General for Internal Security Organisation, reportedly conned ministerial hopefuls out of between $295 and $1,470.

Mr Patrick Onyango, the Kampala Metropolitan police spokesperson, said Mr Babibasa could call the MPs claiming that President Yoweri Museveni had assigned him to prepare reports regarding their conduct, political status and work abilities.

“Babibasa would threaten the MPs that their records were not good for ministerial positions. He would then ask them to send him money via mobile money so that he makes good reports on them,” Mr Onyango said.

He said at least six MP were conned, including losers of the February parliamentary elections. One of the victims was coincidentally appointed minister and sent an appreciation message to Mr Babibasa, thanking him for the good work done.

Mr Onyango said the suspect would also target officials mentioned in corruption scandals, especially those whose names had appeared in the media.

Mr Babibasa’s arrest came after some of the victims reported to the police when their names missed on the ministerial list.

Using his phone number, the police tracked him down and arrested him on Monday.

“The suspect was now targeting other losers, who he was planning to hoodwink as being on the appointment list for Resident District Commissioners,” Mr Onyango said.

He said Mr Babibasa faces three charges of impersonation, procuring false documents, and obtaining money by false pretence.

The suspect is a graduate of Education from Dar es Salaam University and a former employee of the Uganda Revenue Authority where he worked as an informer.