By Spy Uganda
Security agencies have arrested four suspects in connection with a cyber fraud scheme in which criminals impersonated Mrs. Natasha Museveni Karugire to defraud unsuspecting members of the public through social media platforms.
According to a statement issued by police spokesperson ACP Michael Kituuma, the suspects had created several fake TikTok and WhatsApp accounts using Mrs. Karugire’s photographs and identity, targeting her followers particularly those seeking financial assistance.
Preliminary investigations reveal that the suspects closely monitored Mrs. Karugire’s genuine social media accounts, identifying followers who publicly or privately requested financial support. The fraudsters then registered multiple telephone lines on WhatsApp and other messaging platforms, using her image as a profile photo to appear legitimate.
Posing as Mrs. Karugire, the suspects contacted the victims and promised assistance. However, before any help could be offered, victims were instructed to pay so-called “registration fees” or “processing charges”, with amounts varying depending on the assistance requested. Victims were then directed to deposit or send money to specific telephone numbers controlled by the suspects.
Police say several individuals fell victim to the scheme, losing varying sums of money.
Arrests & Exhibits Recovered
Acting on intelligence, security agencies conducted an operation in Iganga Municipality, leading to the arrest of four suspects identified as:
- Isabirye Ashiraf
- Mulondo Rahman
- Kakaire Zubair
- Egesa Sharif
Upon arrest, the suspects were found in possession of multiple SIM cards and several mobile phones, believed to have been used in the commission of the cyber crimes.
The suspects are currently in custody and are expected to be arraigned before court to face charges related to cyber fraud and impersonation.
Police have strongly cautioned the public against sending money to individuals online who demand registration fees, processing charges, or advance payments in exchange for financial assistance, jobs, visas, scholarships, or similar opportunities.
“Genuine service providers and reputable individuals do not demand upfront payments through social media,” police emphasized.
Members of the public have been urged to:
- Treat any request for registration or clearance fees made via social media or messaging apps with suspicion.
- Verify offers and requests through official and trusted channels, rather than private messages.
- Immediately report fake accounts, suspicious online activity, or attempted fraud to the nearest police station.
Security agencies have called on the public to remain vigilant and to continue working closely with law enforcement in the fight against online crime and cyber fraud.
