Police in Iganga District have arrested four suspects accused of impersonating First Daughter Natasha Karugire on social media to defraud members of the public seeking financial assistance.

The suspects—Asharaf Isabirye, Rahman Mulondo, Kakaire Zubail, and Sharif Egesa—created fake TikTok and WhatsApp accounts using Ms Karugire’s name and photographs.

They allegedly solicited money from victims by demanding “registration” or “processing fees” under the pretext of providing help.

Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke announced the arrests Monday morning, stating they followed a formal complaint from Ms Karugire after she flagged a surge in impersonating accounts.

“You recall that Ms Natasha Karugire raised concerns about people who created fake TikTok and WhatsApp accounts impersonating her,” Kituuma said. “When this matter reached us, security agencies swung into action.”

Investigators used cyber capabilities to trace and apprehend the suspects in Iganga.

Authorities recovered multiple mobile phones and SIM cards believed to have been used in the scams.

Kituuma explained that the fraudsters targeted vulnerable individuals hoping for financial aid, collecting fees for nonexistent assistance.

He warned of the growing prevalence of such schemes on social media.

“Never pay registration fees via social media; it is a very loose platform for you to fall into,” he cautioned. “We encourage people to verify offers. Someone cannot just come on social media and place an offer and you fall for it.”

He also advised caution with visa applications and other sensitive online transactions, noting many Ugandans have lost significant sums to similar cons.

Ms Karugire, daughter of President Yoweri Museveni, first raised the alarm late last month. Since launching her TikTok account in January 2025 under the handle @Natashakarugire83, she has gained a large following—making her a prime target for impersonators.

“I have been informed that these fake accounts using my name and my pictures ask the public for money in exchange for help. I will never do this for any reason,” she stated earlier.

“Please do not encourage these fraudsters and criminals by sending them money.”

She confirmed she maintains only one official account and urged followers to stay vigilant as police continue probing a potentially wider network of impersonators.

The four suspects await court arraignment on charges related to cyber fraud and impersonation.