KAMPALA-More than 10 people have been arrested by Uganda Police, working together with other security agencies, over allegations of impersonating the Manager of the Office of the National Chairman (ONC), Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, on social media and defrauding members of the public. The suspects are in custody pending prosecution as investigations continue into what police believe is a well-coordinated fraud syndicate operating in different parts of the country.
According to investigators, the operation followed numerous complaints from members of the public who turned up at the Office of the National Chairman after allegedly communicating with individuals posing as Hajjat Namyalo, mainly on TikTok. The victims claimed they had been promised financial assistance, business capital, scholarships, employment opportunities and other empowerment packages before being instructed to send money. Upon reaching the ONC offices, they reportedly discovered that they had been communicating with fraudsters with no connection to the office.
Police investigations have so far led to the arrest of several suspects, among them Bautu Collin, 19, a student and resident of Warugolgo Zone in Iganga Municipality. According to the charge sheet under CRB 461/2026 at Kira Police Division and Case No. 1003/26 before the Resident State Attorney in Kira, Bautu has been charged with 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. Prosecutors allege that on May 4, 2026, at Najjera in Wakiso District, he falsely presented himself as Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye and used that representation to allegedly obtain money from members of the public.
Speaking on the matter, Hajjat Namyalo distanced herself from the fake social media accounts, saying she does not operate a TikTok account and has never asked members of the public to send money through any social media platform in exchange for financial assistance or government services. She urged the public to verify information through official ONC communication channels and cautioned Ugandans against falling victim to fraudsters using her name. She also welcomed the arrests, saying security agencies were committed to bringing all those involved to justice.
Police have urged anyone who may have fallen victim to the alleged scam to report to the nearest police station or contact the investigating team to assist with ongoing inquiries. Authorities also reminded the public that government officials do not ask citizens to pay money in exchange for financial assistance, jobs or access to government programmes. Investigations into the alleged racket are ongoing as the suspects await prosecution.
