The Uganda Police Force has warned the public against online fraud involving fake social media accounts after detailing separate operations in Iganga targeting suspects accused of impersonating prominent individuals to scam unsuspecting victims.

According to the police, the suspects allegedly created fake accounts, mainly on TikTok and WhatsApp, using the identities and photographs of prominent people, particularly Ms. Natasha Museveni Karugire. The accounts were allegedly used to convince victims seeking financial assistance to pay "registration fees" or "processing charges" before receiving promised support.

Police said that on 9 February 2026, four suspects were arrested during operations conducted in Iganga Municipality. They were identified as Isabirye Ashiraf, Mulondo Rahman, Kakaire Zubair and Egesa Sharif.

The force said multiple mobile phones and SIM cards allegedly used in the commission of the offences were recovered during the operation.

In a separate intelligence-led operation conducted on 2 July 2026 at Nandekula A Village, Bulubandi Parish, Nakigo Sub-county in Iganga District, a joint team of Police and Defence Intelligence and Security arrested six more suspects following reports of a criminal gang allegedly impersonating both the President of Uganda and Ms. Natasha Museveni Karugire.

The suspects were identified as Mugudya Mustafa (17), Maganda Murishidi (18), Waiswa Muhammad (21), Kaima Jamiru (17), Mulawa Shafick (17) and Ngobi Sabath (15).

According to police, nine mobile phones were recovered during the latest operation. Investigators said the devices contained several fake accounts, including those operating under the name "Youth Development Application Funds" and profiles impersonating Ms. Natasha K. Museveni.

The Uganda Police Force said the investigations point to a repeated pattern of cyber fraud linked to the impersonation of prominent individuals, with Iganga emerging as a hotspot for such schemes.

Police urged members of the public not to send money to individuals on social media requesting registration fees, processing charges or any advance payment in exchange for financial assistance, jobs, scholarships or similar opportunities.

The force advised the public to verify such requests through official channels and to report suspicious online activity or impersonation to the nearest police station.

The statement was issued by ACP Kituuma Rusoke, the Public Relations Officer of the Uganda Police Force.