Security agencies have arrested four suspected cyber fraudsters accused of impersonating First Daughter Natasha Karugire on social media to scam unsuspecting members of the public.
The suspects were arrested during a joint intelligence-led operation involving the Joint Anti-Terrorism Task Force, the Criminal Investigations Directorate and Crime Intelligence, following reports of fake social media accounts using Ms Karugire’s name and image.
According to police, the suspects created fraudulent TikTok and WhatsApp accounts through which they allegedly solicited money from victims, claiming they could offer financial assistance and other favours
The arrests were made in Iganga District after detectives tracked the group through digital footprints including IP addresses, linked social media profiles and online infrastructure. During the operation, security agencies recovered several electronic devices, more than 50 registered SIM cards and forged documents believed to have been used in the scams.
Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma identified the suspects as Allan Isabirye, Rahman Mulondo, Zubair Kakaire and Sharif Egesa.
“The four suspects were arrested for impersonating Natasha Karugire, the First Daughter of H.E. the President, on social media platforms. They will soon be arraigned in court to answer charges of cyber fraud and impersonation,” Mr Kituuma said.
He revealed that investigations were launched after Ms Karugire filed a formal complaint at the CID headquarters, alerting authorities to the existence of fraudulent accounts operating in her name.
Preliminary investigations show that the suspects targeted individuals seeking financial help, asking them to pay so-called registration and processing fees before receiving assistance.
Police have since warned the public to be cautious when engaging with services advertised on social media, especially those related to money, visas, passports and national identity documents.
“Never pay registration or processing fees through social media. It is very easy for fraudsters to trap unsuspecting Ugandans. Always verify information before taking action,” Mr Kituuma cautioned.
Uganda has seen a sharp rise in cyber-related crimes in recent years. The Police Annual Crime Report 2024 shows that 474 cybercrime cases were reported last year, nearly double the number recorded in 2023. Financial losses linked to cybercrime in 2024 amounted to Shs72 billion, with only a fraction recovered.
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