The Uganda Police Force, in coordination with sister security agencies, informs the public about the arrest of groups of cyber fraudsters involved in impersonation and online scams targeting unsuspecting members of the public.
Security agencies have been investigating a series of cyber fraud schemes in which criminals create fake social media accounts, particularly on TikTok and WhatsApp, impersonating prominent individuals, and in particular Ms. Natasha Museveni Karugire.
The suspects use photographs and identities of prominent persons to deceive victims, especially those seeking financial assistance.
On 09 Feb 2026, I brought to you information of individuals we had arrested following operations conducted in Iganga Municipality. These suspects were identified as:
• Isabirye Ashiraf
• Mulondo Rahman
• Kakaire Zubair
• Egesa Sharif
This group targeted followers on social media platforms. They initiated contact while impersonating Ms. Natasha Museveni Karugire and demanded “registration fees” or “processing charges” before promising assistance. Several victims were defrauded through this scheme. Exhibits recovered from the suspects included multiple mobile phones and SIM cards used in the commission of these crimes.
In a separate but related operation conducted on 02 July 2026 at Nandekula A Village, Bulubandi Parish, Nakigo Sub County in Iganga District, a joint team of Police and Defence Intelligence and Security carried out an intelligence-led operation following reports of a criminal gang impersonating both the President of the Republic of Uganda and Ms. Natasha Museveni Karugire.
During this operation, six suspects were arrested:
• Mugudya Mustafa (17 years)
• Maganda Murishidi (18 years)
• Waiswa Muhammad (21 years)
• Kaima Jamiru (17 years)
• Mulawa Shafick (17 years)
• Ngobi Sabath (15 years)
Nine mobile phones were recovered as exhibits. Upon examination, the devices were found to contain several fake accounts, including those operating under names such as “Youth Development Application Funds” and profiles impersonating Ms. Natasha K. Museveni.
We note;
A repeated pattern of cyber fraud activities linked to impersonation of prominent individuals, with Iganga emerging as a hotspot for such schemes.
These criminal networks exploit vulnerable individuals seeking financial assistance by demanding upfront payments under false pretenses.
The Uganda Police Force strongly warns the public against sending money to individuals on social media who request “registration fees,” “processing charges,” or any advance payments in exchange for financial assistance, jobs, scholarships, or similar opportunities.
Members of the public are advised to verify all such requests through official channels and to treat unsolicited offers received through social media or messaging platforms with suspicion.
Anyone who encounters suspicious online activity or impersonation is urged to report immediately to the nearest police station.
ACP Kituuma Rusoke psc
PRO-UPF
