Four arrested for posing as Museveni’s daughter

Uganda Police have arrested four suspects in connection with an alleged cyber fraud scheme.

The suspects are accused of impersonating the daughter of President Yoweri Museveni, Mrs Natasha Museveni Karugire, to defraud members of the public through social media platforms.

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In a statement issued on Sunday, police spokesperson ACP Kituuma Rusoke said security agencies had been investigating reports that fraudsters created multiple fake TikTok and WhatsApp accounts using Mrs Karugire’s name, photographs, and identity to target unsuspecting victims online.

According to police, the suspects allegedly focused on individuals who contacted accounts purporting to belong to Mrs Karugire while seeking financial assistance. Investigators say the fraudsters then posed as her, engaging followers in private conversations to gain their trust.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects accessed TikTok and other social media platforms, identified followers requesting financial support, and registered multiple telephone lines on WhatsApp and other platforms using Mrs Karugire’s photograph to appear authentic,” police said.

Police added that once contact was established, the suspects allegedly instructed victims to pay what they described as “registration fees” or “processing charges” before any assistance could be offered. The amounts demanded reportedly varied depending on the type of support the victim was seeking.

Victims were then directed to deposit or send money to specific telephone numbers controlled by the suspects, police said, adding that several individuals lost varying sums of money through the scheme.

Following intelligence-led operations, police arrested four suspects in Iganga Municipality.

Upon arrest, police said the suspects were found in possession of several mobile phones and multiple SIM cards, which investigators believe were used in the alleged commission of the crimes.

“The suspects are currently in custody and will be arraigned before court shortly to face charges related to cyber fraud and impersonation,” police said, emphasising that investigations are ongoing.

Police cautioned the public against sending money to individuals online who demand upfront payments such as 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 such payments through social media platforms,” the statement said.

Members of the public were urged to treat requests for money made through private messages on social media or messaging applications with suspicion, verify offers through official and publicly known channels, and avoid using contact details provided solely through private online conversations.

Police also encouraged anyone who encounters suspicious online activity, fake accounts, or attempted fraud to report the matter to the nearest police station.

“The public is encouraged to remain vigilant and to work closely with the police in the fight against online crime,” the statement said.