A joint operation by the Uganda Police Force and the UPDF Defence Intelligence Security (DIS) has dismantled an alleged fraud ring accused of impersonating President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and his daughter, Natasha Karugire, to swindle unsuspecting Ugandans through fake social media and mobile money schemes.
The six suspects were arrested in an intelligence-led operation conducted in Iganga District on July 2, 2026, after investigators linked them to a network allegedly operating fraudulent online accounts masquerading as the President and his daughter.
According to Busoga East Regional Police Spokesperson ASP Micheal Kasadha, the suspects are believed to have used the fake identities to lure victims into sending money under the guise of accessing government financial assistance and youth empowerment programmes.
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.
The arrests followed an intelligence-led raid at around midday on July 2, during which security officers recovered nine mobile phones allegedly used to coordinate the fraudulent operation.
Investigators said a forensic examination of the devices uncovered multiple fake social media profiles and mobile money accounts allegedly created to impersonate senior public figures.
Among the discoveries was a fraudulent “Youth Development Application Fund” purportedly operating under the name of Natasha Karugire, one of President Museveni’s daughters. The fake platform allegedly targeted young Ugandans by promising access to government funding in exchange for registration fees or other payments.
Police say the suspects allegedly exploited the public’s trust in the First Family by creating convincing online profiles designed to appear authentic.
“Preliminary examination of the recovered mobile phones revealed numerous fraudulent social media and mobile money accounts, including a fake Youth Development Application Fund purportedly operated under the name of Natasha K. Museveni,” ASP Kasadha said in a statement.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly admitted to operating several fake accounts used to facilitate the alleged fraud.
The suspects have since been transferred by the Defence Intelligence Security (DIS) team to Jinja Road Police Station in Kampala, where detectives have taken over investigations ahead of possible criminal charges, including personation, electronic fraud and obtaining money by false pretence.
The case highlights the growing use of social media impersonation by cybercriminals targeting Ugandans seeking government assistance or financial opportunities.
Security agencies have repeatedly warned the public that neither President Museveni nor members of the First Family solicit money from citizens through personal social media accounts, mobile money platforms or messaging applications.
Investigators are expected to analyse the recovered phones to identify additional victims, establish the amount of money allegedly obtained through the scheme and determine whether other members of the suspected criminal network remain at large.
Police have urged members of the public to verify any online account claiming to represent the President, government officials or members of the First Family before sending money or sharing personal information.
Authorities say investigations are continuing.
