Man arrested for impersonating women for three years

John Mark Bukenya caught the attention of the locals while at Kagadi Central Police Station. Photoq by Francis Mugera

What you need to know:

  • During interrogation, Bukenya reportedly told detectives that he impersonated women in Kabarole District for two years before moving to Kagadi District where he has been impersonating women for the past one year
  • Bukenya, according to Mr Ojara, impersonates women in order to get employed and earn a living

KAGADI. Police in Kagadi District have arrested a 22-year-old man who has been passing off as a woman for the past three years.

John Mark Bukenya was arrested in Muhorro Town Council where he was working as a bar maid at Muhorro Rest-house.
His arrest followed a tip off by Mr Charles Mugisa Busigiriko, the owner of the Rest House. Mr Busigikiro said he became concerned after receiving complaints from his female workers about the "suspicious conduct" of Bukenya.

"When I interrogated him, he confessed being a man. I was shocked because he always wore skirts and dresses, necklaces and shoes for ladies," Mr Busigiriko said.

The Kagadi District Police Commander, Mr Romeo Onek Ojara confirmed the arrest.
"We are holding him. He confessed being a man biologically much as he prefers being called and treated as a woman," Mr Ojara said.
During interrogation, Bukenya reportedly told detectives that he impersonated women in Kabarole District for two years before moving to Kagadi District where he has been impersonating women for the past one year.

Bukenya, according to Mr Ojara, impersonates women in order to get employed and earn a living.

The suspect wearing a skirt, outside the Police Station.


He reportedly told police officers that he can hardly manage to get jobs since he is a man, a situation which forced him to master "the art of imitating women" to avoid detection.

"When we received him, he was wearing a skirt and a blouse. We asked him whether he needed a trouser and a shirt to dress as a man but said he is comfortable dressing as a woman," Mr Ojara said.

"He told that much as he stays with women most of his time, he doesn't get sexually attracted to them," Mr Ojara said.

Police one of the options on their table is charging Bukenya with impersonation.
The second option is getting counsellors who will give Bukenya guidance and physiological support.

Bukenya is being held at Kagadi Central Police station.