Tycoon Shumuk survives illegal arrest, vows loyalty to M7

City tycoon Mukesh Shukla, popularly known as Shumuk, narrowly escaped what he described as a well-coordinated mafia operation after armed policemen accompanied by alleged “visitors” from the Pakistani Embassy attempted to arrest him on fictitious charges, just two days to the recently concluded general elections.

The dramatic incident unfolded at around 12 noon on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, when a group of about 12 police officers, flanked by an undisclosed number of foreign “visitors,” simultaneously stormed Shumuk House in Kampala’s Central Business District and his Nakawa-based offices.

According to eyewitnesses, the group arrived wielding what later appeared to be a fake arrest warrant, hunting for the businessman who was at the time peacefully attending to his business affairs and election preparations.

Sensing foul play, Shumuk trusted his instincts and immediately contacted the Officer in Charge of Kyambogo Police Station to verify the alleged charges.

“The OC assured me there was no case whatsoever against me at the station,” Shumuk told our reporter.

The confirmation reportedly triggered panic among the would-be arresters, who fled the scene in disarray, abandoning the operation without explanation.

Investigations reveal that the charge they were attempting to pin on Shumuk—obtaining money by false pretence—had been officially discontinued by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on November 24 last year. At the time, Shumuk was granted bail, had his travel documents returned, and even received a refund of bail fees, a clear indication that the matter was legally closed.

Sources close to the tycoon say this incident is just one of several attempts to use state machinery to harass and intimidate him, raising fears that his life and businesses may be under threat.

“Since I joined politics, I have made many enemies. They have tried several times to arrest me and disrupt my businesses,” Shumuk said. “I know who they are, but for now I will keep their names to myself.”

Despite the intimidation, the outspoken businessman—whose interests span steel manufacturing, real estate, and hospitality—remained defiant.

Shumuk reaffirmed his unwavering support for the NRM and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who was re-elected on January 15 with 72 percent of the vote.

“I will not stop supporting President Museveni. He is the only leader who can rule this country peacefully,” the tycoon vowed.

As election dust settles, questions continue to swirl around the shadowy forces allegedly operating within Kampala’s underworld, with many wondering who sanctioned the brazen operation—and why it collapsed so spectacularly.