Police have arrested four suspected cyber fraudsters who were impersonating President Museveni’s daughter, Natasha Museveni Karugire, to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.
The suspects were picked up during an intelligence-led operation in Iganga Municipality after security agencies uncovered a sophisticated online scam that targeted people seeking financial assistance from Karugire through social media.
Police spokesperson ACP Kituuma Rusoke said the suspects created fake TikTok and WhatsApp accounts using Mrs Karugire’s photographs and identity to trick her followers into sending them money.
“Security agencies have been investigating a cybercrime scheme in which criminals created several fake TikTok and WhatsApp accounts in the name of Mrs Natasha Museveni Karugire, using her photographs and identity to defraud her followers,” Kituuma said.
According to police, the fraudsters monitored Mrs Karugire’s social media pages, identified followers asking for help, and then contacted them using fake accounts pretending to be her.
“Once a victim requested financial help, the suspects instructed them to first pay a ‘registration fee’ or ‘processing charge’, the amount varying according to the support requested,” Kituuma explained.
The victims were then given telephone numbers where they were told to deposit or send money before receiving any assistance. Several people were reportedly defrauded under this scheme.
During the operation in Iganga, four suspects were arrested and identified as Ashiraf Isabirye, Rahman Mulondo,Zubair Kakaire, and Sharif Egesa.
Police recovered several mobile phones and SIM cards believed to have been used to run the scam.
“Upon arrest, the suspects were found in possession of several telephone SIM cards and mobile handsets which are believed to have been used in the commission of these crimes,” Kituuma said.
The suspects are currently in police custody and will be charged with cyber fraud and impersonation.
Police have warned the public against sending money to people online who demand registration fees, processing charges or advance payments in exchange for financial assistance, jobs, visas, or scholarships.
“Genuine service providers and reputable individuals do not demand such upfront payments through social media,” Kituuma cautioned.
He urged the public to always verify offers using official channels and to report any suspicious online activity or fake accounts to the nearest police station as authorities intensify the fight against cybercrime.
