Mr Marvin Ayebare, the publicity secretary of the association of used car importers in Uganda has cautioned the public to desist from just transacting with each and every company that claims to be representing the Japanese car exporters because they may end up being defrauded.
Ayebare said that before dealing with companies, Ugandans should always take the initiative and do thorough checks on the internet and even make calls before carrying out these dealings.
He made these remarks as Be Forward, a Japanese car exporter, compensated 53 clients who were defrauded by one of their former agents, Steel Logistics Nagoya in November last year.
In November 2022, a total of 53 customers were defrauded by Steel Logistics Nagoya after they paid for their vehicles only to turn out that they had diverted the funds.
In a press conference held at their offices in Kampala, officials from Be Forward said that all the aggrieved customers had been compensated.
“For us, we prioritize solutions other than anything else. We took an initiative, verified all the payment information by our clients, and decided to compensate them by sending their vehicles,” Joseph Bogere, the Tokyo-based Uganda’s country manager said.
Mr John Mutahi the senior manager in charge of South/East Africa said that the unfortunate incident made them sit down and assess before acting.
“As we keep on tracking these people, we have decided to take the initiative and clear our brand, which we have built for years,” he added.
Some of the complainants including Mr Andrew Kisitu told reporters that they had received their vehicles after exerting pressure on the company which later cooperated.
The other Be Forward agents in Uganda are Kheri Group Limited, Pre Motors Limited, Mpaatanel Company Limited, Fahd Enterprises Limited, Meik Car Hub Limited, and Beetonda Auto Limited in Masaka.
