The suspects are accused of posing as associates of President Museveni and his daughter, Natasha Karugire, to defraud unsuspecting victims across several districts.
According to security officials, the arrests followed an intelligence-led operation conducted on July 2, 2026. The coordinated operation targeted a group believed to be behind a series of fraudulent schemes carried out through mobile communication platforms.
The suspects have been identified as Mustafa Mugudya, 17, Murishidi Maganda, 18, Waiswa Muhammad, 21, Jamiru Kaima, 17, Shafick Mulawa, 17, and Sabath Ngobi, 15. All are residents of Nandekula A Village, Bulubandi Parish, Nakigo Sub-county in Iganga District.
During the operation, security personnel recovered nine mobile phones allegedly used to facilitate the fraud. Preliminary investigations indicate that the devices contained multiple fake accounts, including one purporting to be a youth development fund application platform falsely attributed to Natasha Karugire.
Investigators say the suspects admitted to operating several fraudulent accounts through which they allegedly deceived victims into sending money on the promise of accessing government-linked financial support.
The suspects have since been transferred to Jinja Road Police Station for further investigations and case management.
Busoga East Regional Police spokesperson ASP Michael Kasadha confirmed the arrests and said police remain committed to dismantling criminal networks that exploit digital platforms to defraud the public.
Authorities have cautioned the public against engaging with unverified online accounts claiming links to government officials or offering financial assistance. They urged citizens to verify such information through official government channels before making any payments or sharing personal information.
Investigations into the wider network are ongoing.