Museveni’s Daughters Hoax, 4 Arrested
Uganda Police have taken four individuals into custody in connection with a suspected cyber fraud operation.
These suspects are alleged to have impersonated Mrs. Natasha Museveni Karugire, the daughter of President Yoweri Museveni, in an attempt to scam the public via social media.
In a statement released on Sunday, police spokesperson ACP Kituuma Rusoke mentioned that security agencies had been looking into reports of fraudsters who set up numerous fake TikTok and WhatsApp accounts using Mrs. Karugire’s name, photos, and identity to target unsuspecting victims online.
According to the police, the suspects seemed to have zeroed in on people who reached out to accounts claiming to be Mrs. Karugire while asking for financial help. Investigators noted that the fraudsters engaged these followers in private chats to build trust.
“Initial investigations suggest that the suspects accessed TikTok and other social media platforms, identified followers seeking financial aid, and registered multiple phone numbers on WhatsApp and other platforms using Mrs. Karugire’s image to seem credible,” the police stated.
They further explained that once they made contact, the suspects allegedly told victims they needed to pay what they called “registration fees” or “processing charges” before any help could be provided. The amounts requested reportedly varied based on the type of assistance the victim was looking for.
Police reported that victims were instructed to deposit or send money to specific phone numbers linked to the suspects, resulting in several individuals losing varying amounts of money through this scheme.
Thanks to intelligence-led operations, authorities managed to arrest four suspects in Iganga Municipality.
When apprehended, the police discovered that the suspects had several mobile phones and numerous SIM cards in their possession, which investigators suspect were used to carry out the alleged crimes.
“The suspects are currently in custody and will soon be brought before the court to face charges related to cyber fraud and impersonation,” the police stated, highlighting that the investigation is still ongoing.
Authorities warned the public to be cautious about sending money to individuals online who request upfront payments like registration fees, processing charges, or advance payments in exchange for financial help, jobs, visas, scholarships, or similar opportunities.
“Legitimate service providers and trustworthy individuals do not ask for such payments through social media platforms,” the statement added.
Members of the public are being advised to be cautious about any requests for money that come through private messages on social media or messaging apps. It’s important to verify any offers through official and well-known channels and to steer clear of using contact information that’s only shared in private online chats.
The police are also urging anyone who spots suspicious online behavior, fake accounts, or attempts at fraud to report it to their nearest police station.
“The public is encouraged to stay alert and collaborate with the police in the battle against online crime,” the statement emphasized.
Museveni’s Daughters Hoax, 4 Arrested
