Uganda Police arrested four suspects over an alleged cyber fraud operation targeting social media users across the country.
Investigators say the group impersonated Natasha Museveni Karugire, daughter of President Yoweri Museveni, to solicit money from victims.
Police spokesperson ACP Kituuma Rusoke released details through an official statement issued on Sunday to newsrooms.
Security teams launched the probe after repeated complaints about fake accounts using her identity surfaced online.
How the Impersonation Scheme Worked
Investigators say the suspects created multiple TikTok and WhatsApp profiles using Karugire’s name and personal photographs.
They copied her public images and biographical details to make the fake profiles look credible to followers.
The suspects then searched platform followers who publicly requested financial help and direct support from her accounts.
They initiated private chats and continued conversations while pretending they controlled her verified social media presence.
Officers say the suspects built trust through repeated replies and personalized messages to each targeted individual.
They answered questions quickly and maintained consistent identities across several linked messaging accounts.
How Victims Lost Their Money
Police say the suspects demanded registration fees and processing charges before promising any financial assistance to victims.
They adjusted the requested payment amounts depending on the type of help each victim requested online.
The suspects directed victims to send money to specific mobile numbers that they personally controlled and managed.
Transaction records show multiple transfers from different victims to the same clustered telephone lines.
Investigators link several reported financial losses directly to conversations that started from the impersonation accounts.
Victims reported that the suspects stopped communication immediately after receiving the requested payments.
Police say the group rotated phone numbers often to avoid detection and platform enforcement systems.
They frequently replaced SIM cards and shifted accounts after each successful round of fraudulent collections.
Police Investigation and Arrests
Cybercrime units gathered digital traces, monitored transaction patterns, and tracked communication flows between the fake accounts.
Intelligence teams mapped the linked numbers and devices to a coordinated group operating within Iganga Municipality.
Police officers conducted targeted field operations after analysts confirmed device locations and suspect movement patterns.
Arrest teams detained four suspects during the coordinated crackdown within the municipality area.
Officers seized several mobile phones and many SIM cards during the arrest operations at the suspect locations.
Investigators believe the devices supported account creation, victim contact, and fund collection activities.
Detectives continue examining the phones for chat histories, account credentials, and financial transaction records.
Forensic teams also review contact lists and platform access logs tied to the impersonation profiles.
Public Warning Over Online Financial Requests
Police warn the public against sending money to online contacts who request upfront fees for promised assistance.
Fraudsters often use emotional stories, famous names, and urgent language to pressure quick payments.
Officials state that legitimate public figures and service providers do not request fees through private social media chats.
They advise users to verify any financial offer through official websites and publicly listed contact channels.
Police urge social media users to question accounts that promise jobs, scholarships, visas, or donations after private messages.
They recommend independent verification before any payment or personal data sharing occurs.
Authorities ask citizens to report suspicious accounts, fake profiles, and fraud attempts to nearby police stations quickly.
Cyber units rely on early reports to disrupt schemes and trace organized digital crime networks.
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