The Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court has remanded three individuals — a 24-year-old man and two minors — accused of impersonating prominent businessman and philanthropist Dr. Hamis Kiggundu to defraud the public via social media.
The suspects, Master Don Sharif (24) and two juveniles aged 16 and 17, appeared before Magistrate Ronald Kayizi, denying the charges against them.
Sharif was remanded to Luzira Prison, while the two minors were sent to Naguru Juvenile Remand Home until October 20, 2025.
According to prosecutors, the trio operated fake accounts on TikTok, Facebook, and WhatsApp, pretending to be Dr. Kiggundu and representatives of the Ham Group of Companies. They allegedly lured victims with promises of jobs, youth loans, scholarships, and other financial opportunities, defrauding them of millions of shillings.
Investigations revealed that all three suspects come from Iganga District in the Busoga sub-region, which authorities say has become a growing hub for cybercrime. Several previous cases of impersonation and online scams have also been traced to the same area.
This marks the sixth case this year in which suspects have been charged with impersonating Dr. Kiggundu.
Speaking on behalf of the Ham Group of Companies, Public Relations Officer Karim Sserugo warned the public to be vigilant.
“Dr. Hamis Kiggundu and the Ham Group of Companies do not run any loan schemes, youth support programs, or school fees initiatives. Anyone claiming otherwise is a fraudster. We urge the public to always verify information through our official platforms,” Sserugo said.
Authorities have advised Ugandans to exercise caution when engaging with online offers and to report suspicious activities to law enforcement. They emphasized that the rise in impersonation and cyber fraud not only threatens personal finances but also undermines trust in legitimate businesses and charitable initiatives.
As the suspects await trial, the case highlights Uganda’s ongoing fight against cybercrime and online impersonation, a growing problem where scammers exploit the identities of well-known figures for financial gain.
