Ugandan security agencies have arrested six people accused of operating an online fraud network that allegedly impersonated President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and his daughter, Natasha Karugire, to deceive victims across the country, police said.
The suspects were arrested during a joint intelligence-led operation conducted by police in the eastern district of Iganga and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Defence Intelligence Security team on July 2, 2026.
Authorities said the group is suspected of creating and operating fraudulent online accounts that falsely claimed links to the president and his family in an effort to obtain money from members of the public.
Investigators recovered nine mobile phones during the operation.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Michael Kasadha, the spokesperson for the Busoga East Policing Area, said the devices contained multiple fraudulent accounts, including a fake Youth Development Application Fund that was falsely presented as being run by Natasha Karugire.
“The recovered mobile phones contained numerous fraudulent accounts, including a counterfeit Youth Development Application Fund purportedly headed by Natasha K. Museveni. The suspects admitted to utilizing various accounts to perpetrate their fraudulent activities,” Kasadha said.
The suspects were identified by police 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 in Bulubandi Parish, Nakigo Sub-county, Iganga District.
Police said the suspects were transferred to Jinja Road Police Station in Kampala, where investigations are continuing. Authorities have not disclosed how much money may have been obtained through the alleged scheme or how many people are believed to have been affected.
Online scams involving the impersonation of senior government officials and prominent public figures have become increasingly common in Uganda, with fraudsters frequently using social media platforms and messaging applications to advertise fictitious government grants, employment opportunities and financial assistance programmes.
