Iganga, Uganda: Police in Iganga, working jointly with the UPDF Defence Intelligence Security (DIS), have arrested six suspects accused of operating an online fraud syndicate that allegedly impersonated President Museveni and First Daughter, Natasha Karugire, to swindle unsuspecting victims across the country.
The suspects were arrested during an intelligence-led operation conducted on July 2, 2026, in Nakigo Sub-county, Iganga District, following investigations into a network allegedly using fake social media accounts and fraudulent online applications to solicit money from members of the public.
According to Busoga East Police Spokesperson ASP Michael Kasadha, the group created counterfeit online accounts, including a fake “Youth Development Application Fund” purportedly managed by Natasha Karugire, to deceive victims into sending money.
“The operatives targeted a criminal gang of impersonators who were misusing the name of His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, as well as that of Natasha Karugire, the President’s daughter, to defraud individuals across various districts in the country,” ASP Kasadha said.
Police identified the suspects as Mugudya Mustafa, 17, Maganda Murishidi, 18, Waiswa Muhammad, 21, Kaima Jamiru, 17, Mulawa Shafick, 17, and Ngobi Sabath, 15. All are residents of Nandekula A Village, Bulubandi Parish, Nakigo Sub-county in Iganga District.
During the operation, security officers recovered nine mobile phones believed to have been used to facilitate the fraudulent scheme.
Police said preliminary examination of the devices uncovered numerous fake accounts and messages allegedly used to communicate with and solicit money from victims.
ASP Kasadha said the suspects admitted during interrogation to operating the various fraudulent accounts.
“We urge the public to be vigilant and not send money to anyone claiming to represent the Office of the President or the First Family on social media or WhatsApp without verification,” he said.
The suspects were later transferred to Jinja Road Police Station by the Defence Intelligence Security team for further management and recording of statements as investigations continue.
Police are now working to establish the full scale of the alleged fraud, identify additional victims, and trace any other members of the syndicate who may still be at large.
Authorities have warned that impersonating public officials and using their identities to obtain money by false pretence are serious criminal offences punishable under Ugandan law.
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