Suspected telecom scammers arrested after First Daughter Natasha alert

KAMPALA - Police say they have arrested four suspected telecom and social media scammers following a public alert by First Daughter Natasha Museveni Karugire warning the public about fraudsters impersonating her online.

Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma says the arrests followed investigations into fake TikTok and WhatsApp accounts created in Natasha’s name to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.

“When the matter was brought to our attention, we swung into action using our cybercrime capabilities,” Kituuma told journalists at Police Headquarters in Naguru today, February 9, 2026.

The suspects: Ashraf Isabirye, Rahman Mulondo,  Zubair Kakaire and Sharif Egesa, were arrested in Iganga over the weekend. 

Police said the suspects allegedly targeted people seeking financial assistance, asking them to pay registration or processing fees.

During the arrest, officers recovered multiple SIM cards and mobile phones believed to have been used in the scam.

Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma says the arrests followed investigations into fake TikTok and WhatsApp accounts created in Natasha’s name to defraud unsuspecting members of the public. (Credit; Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma says the arrests followed investigations into fake TikTok and WhatsApp accounts created in Natasha’s name to defraud unsuspecting members of the public. (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

“They were impersonating a public figure and defrauding people through social media platforms. They will be charged with cyber fraud and impersonation-related offences,” Kituuma said.

Police used the case to issue a broader warning about the rising number of online scams, particularly those targeting visa applicants and job seekers.

“Never pay registration or processing fees via social media. These platforms are very loose and easily exploited by scammers,” Kituuma cautioned.

He questioned why members of the public continue to apply for visas or financial opportunities through individuals on social media rather than official institutions.

“Why would you apply for a visa through a social media person when embassies exist? People are losing shillings five million, shillings 10 million and more in these scams,” he said.

Police urged the public to verify offers, conduct due diligence and report fake accounts or suspicious individuals immediately.