Uganda Police, working jointly with sister security agencies, have arrested and arraigned three individuals accused of impersonating city businessman and philanthropist Dr. Hamis Kiggundu in a sophisticated online fraud scheme that targeted unsuspecting Ugandans through social media.
The suspects, identified as Master Don Sharif, aged 24, and two minors aged 16 and 17, appeared before the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court on charges of obtaining money by false pretence and impersonation. They were remanded until October 20, 2025, as investigations continue.
Prosecution alleges that the trio created multiple fake accounts on TikTok, Facebook, and WhatsApp, through which they falsely presented themselves as Dr. Kiggundu and representatives of the Ham Group of Companies.
The suspects allegedly lured victims with promises of employment, business loans, and educational support, defrauding them of millions of shillings in the process.
Security sources revealed that all three suspects are residents of Iganga District in the Busoga sub-region, an area that has recently become notorious for cyber-related crimes.
Investigators said the arrests followed a joint operation involving the Police’s Cyber Crime Unit, Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), and Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) after multiple complaints were lodged by members of the public and the Ham Group of Companies.
Speaking after the arrests, Ham Group Public Relations Officer Karim Sserugo cautioned the public against falling victim to online scammers.
“We want to categorically state that Dr. Hamis Kiggundu and the Ham Group do not operate any loan, bursary, or youth empowerment programs online,” Sserugo said. “Anyone asking for money using Dr. Ham’s name is a fraudster. Always verify through our official channels.”
Police warned that online impersonation and cyber-fraud are on the rise, with several syndicates using the identities of high-profile individuals to deceive the public.
Authorities urged Ugandans to remain vigilant, avoid sending money to unverified accounts, and promptly report suspicious online activity.
This is the sixth case this year involving suspects charged with impersonating Dr. Kiggundu, underscoring growing concern over the misuse of social media for fraudulent schemes.
The trio will return to court later this month as investigations into the wider network continue.