Ugandan security agencies have arrested six people accused of running an alleged fraud scheme in which they impersonated members of the country’s First Family to obtain money from unsuspecting victims.
Police said the suspects allegedly posed as associates of President Yoweri Museveni and his daughter, Natasha Karugire, using fake online accounts to convince victims they could access government-linked financial assistance.
The arrests were made during a joint intelligence-led operation conducted on 2 July by the Uganda Police Force and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Defence Intelligence and Security (DIS).
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According to investigators, the operation targeted a group suspected of carrying out a series of online scams through mobile communication platforms.
The suspects were identified as Mustafa Mugudya, 17, Murishidi Maganda, 18, Waiswa Muhammad, 21, Jamiru Kaima, 17, Shafick Mulawa, 17, and Sabath Ngobi, 15. All are residents of Nandekula A Village in Bulubandi Parish, Nakigo Sub-county, Iganga District.
Security officers said they recovered nine mobile phones believed to have been used in the alleged fraud. Preliminary investigations indicate the devices contained several fake online accounts, including one claiming to be a youth development fund application platform allegedly linked to Natasha Karugire.
Investigators say the suspects admitted operating multiple fraudulent accounts through which they allegedly persuaded victims to send money after promising them access to government financial support programmes.
The suspects have since been transferred to Jinja Road Police Station, where further investigations are underway.
Busoga East Regional Police spokesperson ASP Michael Kasadha confirmed the arrests, saying police remain committed to dismantling criminal networks that exploit digital platforms to defraud members of the public.
Authorities have also urged the public to avoid engaging with unverified online accounts claiming connections to government officials or offering financial assistance. They advised citizens to verify such information through official government channels before making payments or sharing personal information.
Investigations into the wider network are continuing.
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