Buganda Road Court Remands Three As Dr. Hamis Kiggundu Impersonation Scandal Deepens

It was another sobering reminder of how far cybercrime has infiltrated everyday life when Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court on Monday remanded three suspects accused of impersonating businessman and philanthropist Dr. Hamis Kiggundu. The case, which has sparked concern over the rise of online fraud, involved a 24-year-old man and two minors who allegedly used social media to defraud unsuspecting Ugandans.

The accused, identified as Master Don Sharif and two juveniles aged 16 and 17, appeared before Magistrate Ronald Kayizi, where they pleaded not guilty to charges of impersonation and obtaining money by false pretenses. Sharif was sent to Luzira Prison, while the two minors were remanded to Naguru Juvenile Remand Home until October 20. The youthful faces of the accused left many in court reflecting on how easily digital deception can draw in even those still in their teens.

Prosecutors told the court that the trio allegedly created fake TikTok, Facebook, and WhatsApp accounts in the name of Dr. Kiggundu and the Ham Group of Companies. They reportedly used these platforms to lure victims with promises of jobs, youth loans, education sponsorships, and financial opportunities. Investigators say the scheme generated millions of shillings from hopeful Ugandans who believed they were dealing with a respected businessman known for his philanthropy.

Further inquiries revealed that all three suspects hail from Iganga District in the Busoga sub-region, an area security officials have recently identified as a growing hub for cyber-related crimes. Police sources said at least five similar cases this year involved suspects from the same district, pointing to what they described as “a disturbing digital fraud trend among youth.”

Speaking after the court session, Ham Group’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Karim Sserugo, expressed concern over the continued misuse of Dr. Kiggundu’s name to defraud the public. “We want to make it clear that Dr. Hamis Kiggundu and Ham Group of Companies do not operate any youth loan or scholarship programs. Anyone claiming otherwise is a fraudster,” Sserugo said. He urged Ugandans to verify all information through the company’s official communication channels before making any payments or commitments.

Cybercrime experts warn that Uganda’s rapid digital expansion has not been matched with adequate public awareness on online safety. Police records indicate a steady rise in impersonation and digital scams, with victims losing savings to well-crafted schemes that exploit the reputation of influential figures. “The issue is not only the loss of money but also the erosion of public trust in legitimate initiatives,” said a police investigator familiar with the case.

As the suspects await trial, their arrest adds to a growing list of young Ugandans entangled in cybercrime, a phenomenon authorities say stems from both economic desperation and the allure of easy money online. For many observers, the case underscores the urgent need for stronger digital literacy programs and community sensitization to protect citizens from online manipulation.

In the end, the hearing was not just about three accused fraudsters; it was a reflection of the new face of crime in Uganda’s digital age, where trust, opportunity, and technology often collide—with costly consequences.