Four Arrested for Using First Daughter’s Name to Scam Job Seekers

Security agencies have arrested four men accused of defrauding unsuspecting members of the public by falsely claiming to operate on behalf of the First Daughter, Natasha Karugire, and promising victims lucrative job opportunities.

The suspects, Ashraf Isabirye, Rahman Mulondo, Zubair Kakaire, and Sharif Egesa, were apprehended following multiple complaints from desperate job seekers, particularly in the Busoga sub-region.

Police Spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke said the quartet was found in possession of several SIM cards allegedly used to make fraudulent calls and solicit money from victims under the guise of job placement. Rusoke confirmed that the suspects will be charged in court. 

By the time the First Daughter alerted security agencies to intervene, several victims had already lodged complaints at different police stations, mainly across Busoga.

The Directorate of Crime Intelligence (DCI), working jointly with Defence Intelligence and Security (DIS), launched an intelligence-led operation to track down the fraudsters. Digital surveillance eventually led security operatives to Iganga District, where the suspects were arrested.

“We want to warn people to be very careful. How can someone ask for money, and you pay it? This kind of crime is too much. People are asked to pay money for national IDs, passports, and visas. If you want visas, go to the embassy of that country,” Rusoke cautioned.  

Police have urged members of the public to exercise extreme caution and always to verify individuals claiming to offer jobs, business deals, or financial opportunities. Police further noted that information about prominent individuals such as Natasha Karugire is easily verifiable through security agencies or offices that directly work with the First Family.

Authorities say many Ugandans, especially unemployed youth, continue to fall victim to job scams driven by desperation and misinformation.

In 2024 alone, more than 60 Ugandans were conned in a fraudulent overseas employment scheme that promised monthly earnings of 21 million shillings in Israel following the Gaza war. Each victim reportedly paid at least 21 million shillings, believing the deal to be legitimate.

Meanwhile, police have arrested more than 90 suspects in an ongoing crackdown on criminal gangs operating in Kira Municipality. According to police, 60 suspects were arrested from Kireka, Kamuli, and Kyaliwajjala, nine from Naalya, while 14 others were picked up from Kulambiro and Kisaasi.

Naalya and Kyanja have recently dominated social media discussions following a surge in reported criminal incidents. Last week, popular TikToker Diana Namulinde, also known as Diana Skyz, was found dead in her house, reportedly killed by strangulation.

Rachael Kawala, the Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, confirmed that two suspects have since been arrested in connection with Namulinde’s murder, as investigations continue.