KAMPALA—Buganda Road Court has remanded three people, including 24-year-old Master Don Sharif and two minors aged 16 and 17, on charges of impersonating businessman and philanthropist Dr. Hamis Kiggundu and using his name and image to defraud unsuspecting members of the public through social media platforms.
According to prosecutors, the trio operated a network of fake accounts on TikTok, Facebook, and WhatsApp, falsely presenting themselves as Dr. Kiggundu and representatives of the Ham Group of Companies. They allegedly lured victims with promises of jobs, youth loans, education support, and other financial opportunities, extracting millions of shillings in the process.
The three pleaded not guilty before Magistrate Ronald Kayizi, who ordered Sharif to Luzira Prison and the two minors to Naguru Juvenile Remand Home until October 20, 2025.
Authorities revealed that all the culprits are residents of Iganga District in the Busoga sub-region, which has increasingly become a hotspot for such cybercrime. Even in past cases — including suspects arrested and convicted in April for similar impersonation schemes — the culprits were traced and picked from Iganga before being arraigned in court.
This latest case marks the sixth time this year that individuals have faced trial for impersonating Dr. Kiggundu.
Public Caution
Speaking on behalf of the Ham Group, Public Relations Officer Karim Serugo issued a strong caution to the public:
“We want to categorically state that Dr. Hamis Kiggundu and the Ham Group of Companies do not run any loan schemes, school fees programs, or youth financial support initiatives. Anyone claiming otherwise is a fraudster. We urge the public not to fall victim to such scams and to verify all official communications through our accredited platforms.”
Karim Serugo- P.R.O, Ham Group of Companies
Authorities further urged Ugandans to remain vigilant, warning that the growing trend of online impersonation poses serious risks to personal savings and public trust in genuine initiatives.
As the court process unfolds, the case serves as a sharp reminder to exercise caution on social media and to always verify before sending money to individuals claiming to represent public figures or companies.
Editorial Note: The case highlights Uganda’s wider struggle against the rise of cyber-fraud and online impersonation, where unsuspecting citizens are increasingly targeted through social media platforms by criminals exploiting the names of high-profile figures.
