By Obbo Yusuf
Police in Iganga, working jointly with the UPDF Defence Intelligence and Security (DIS), have arrested six suspects over their alleged involvement in fraud and impersonation.
The suspects are accused of operating a criminal network that allegedly used the names of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and his daughter, Natasha Karugire, to defraud people in different parts of the country.
According to police, the suspects were arrested during an intelligence-led operation conducted on July 2, 2026, at around midday.
During the operation, security recovered nine mobile phones believed to have been used in the alleged fraudulent activities.
The suspects have been identified 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, Bulubandi Parish, Nakigo Sub-county in Iganga District.
Investigators say the recovered phones contained numerous fraudulent accounts, including a fake Youth Development Application Fund allegedly presented as being managed by Natasha K. Museveni.
Police say the suspects admitted to operating multiple accounts to carry out the alleged fraud.
Busoga East Regional Police spokesperson Michael Kasadha said the suspects were handed over to the Defence Intelligence and Security team before being transferred to Jinja Road Police Station for further investigation and management.
Kasadha said security agencies have intensified operations against criminal gangs across the region.
“Several young boys have embarked on yearning for free things, but police are coming for you. We have started these operations, and we assure the public that we shall rid our areas of operation of all criminal elements,” Kasadha said.
Police urged members of the public to remain vigilant and verify the authenticity of online messages or fundraising campaigns that claim to represent government officials or programmes before sending money or sharing personal information.
