Security agencies have arrested four people in Iganga Municipality over an alleged cyber fraud scheme in which criminals reportedly impersonated Mrs Natasha Museveni Karugire on social media to trick members of the public into sending them money.
Police spokesperson ACP Kituuma Rusoke said the suspects created several fake TikTok and WhatsApp accounts using Mrs Karugire’s photographs and identity in order to lure unsuspecting victims.
According to police, the group mainly targeted vulnerable individuals who contacted the fake accounts seeking financial assistance.
Investigations indicate that the suspects would engage victims in private conversations while posing as Mrs Karugire, before instructing them to pay alleged “registration fees” or “processing charges” in order to receive promised support. The payments were reportedly directed to telephone numbers linked to the fraudsters.
Police say preliminary findings show that several people lost varying sums of money through the scam.
The suspects arrested have been identified as Isabirye Ashiraf, Mulondo Rahman, Kakaire Zubair, and Egesa Sharif.
During the intelligence-led operation, authorities recovered multiple SIM cards and mobile phones believed to have been used in the fraud.
ACP Rusoke confirmed that the suspects remain in custody and are expected to be produced in court to face charges related to cyber fraud and impersonation.
Following the arrests, police warned the public against sending money to individuals online who demand upfront payments in exchange for financial assistance, jobs, scholarships, visas or other opportunities.
Authorities urged Ugandans to verify such offers through official channels and to report suspicious accounts or online activity to the nearest police station as investigations into the wider network continue.
