By Karim Were
KAMPALA — Uganda Police, in collaboration with other security agencies, have arrested more than 10 suspects accused of impersonating Senior Presidential Adviser Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye on social media platforms and allegedly defrauding members of the public.
The suspects are currently in custody awaiting trial as investigators continue probing what they describe as a wider criminal network operating across different parts of the country.
The investigation was launched following a rise in complaints from members of the public who reported to the Office of the National Chairman (ONC), claiming they had been communicating with individuals posing as Hajjat Namyalo on social media, especially TikTok.
According to investigators, the victims were allegedly promised financial assistance, business start-up capital, scholarships, jobs and other empowerment opportunities in exchange for sending money to the suspected fraudsters.
However, upon visiting the ONC offices, the victims reportedly discovered that they had been communicating with impostors who had no links to Hajjat Namyalo or the institution.
The complaints prompted security agencies to begin investigations, leading to several arrests in what detectives believe is an organised impersonation and fraud syndicate targeting unsuspecting Ugandans.
Among those charged is **Bautu Collin, 19**, a student and resident of Warugolgo Zone in Iganga Municipality.
According to court documents under **CRB 461/2026 at Kira Police Division** and **Case No. 1003/26 before the Resident State Attorney in Kira**, Bautu faces charges of personating a public officer contrary to Section 354(1) of the Penal Code Act and obtaining money by false pretences contrary to Section 285 of the Penal Code Act.
Prosecution alleges that on May 4, 2026, at Najjera in Wakiso District, the accused falsely presented himself as Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye and claimed to be acting in the capacity of Senior Presidential Adviser while offering financial assistance.
Investigators believe the suspect is part of a wider group that has been exploiting the names of senior government officials to deceive members of the public and obtain money through fraudulent promises.
Hajjat Namyalo has since warned the public against falling victim to fake accounts using her identity, stressing that she does not operate a TikTok account and does not distribute money through social media platforms.
> “I do not have a TikTok account, and I do not give out money through TikTok or any social media platform,” Namyalo said.
She advised members of the public to rely on official ONC communication channels when seeking information about government programmes and cautioned against sending money to individuals claiming to represent her office.
Namyalo welcomed the arrests, saying security agencies were working to dismantle the alleged network and bring all those involved to justice.
> “Many more suspects will be arrested. We are working closely with the relevant security agencies to ensure that everyone involved in impersonating me and defrauding innocent Ugandans is brought to justice,” she said.
Police have urged anyone who may have lost money through the alleged scheme to report to the nearest police station or contact investigators to assist with ongoing inquiries.
Authorities have also reminded the public that government officials do not require citizens to pay money in exchange for jobs, financial assistance or access to government programmes.
Investigations into the alleged fraud network are continuing as the suspects await further legal proceedings.
