Kampala, Uganda — Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court has remanded three individuals, including two minors, for allegedly impersonating Ugandan businessman and philanthropist Dr. Hamis Kiggundu—commonly known as Ham—using fake social media accounts to defraud the public.
This case marks the sixth instance this year in which suspects have used Dr. Kiggundu’s name in fraudulent schemes.
The Accused and Charges
The accused appeared before Magistrate Ronald Kayizi and include:
- Master Don Sharif, 24
- Two juveniles aged 16 and 17
All three pleaded not guilty. Sharif was remanded to Luzira Prison, while the minors were sent to Naguru Juvenile Remand Home until their next hearing on October 20, 2025.
Prosecutors allege the trio ran a sophisticated network of fake social media accounts, luring unsuspecting members of the public with promises of jobs, youth loans, and education sponsorships—all falsely linked to the Ham Group of Companies.
Iganga: A Growing Cybercrime Hotspot
Authorities noted a concerning pattern: all suspects hail from Iganga District in the Busoga sub-region, increasingly flagged as a hub for cyber-related crimes.
Previous cases of individuals impersonating Dr. Kiggundu were also traced to the same district, highlighting the persistence of such schemes.
Ham Group Issues Public Warning
Responding to the continued fraud, the Ham Group of Companies issued a stern warning to the public. Karim Sserugo, the company’s PR Officer, clarified:
“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.”
Authorities urged Ugandans to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, warning that such impersonation scams not only drain personal savings but also erode trust in legitimate charitable and business efforts across the country.
Rising Cyber Threats in Uganda
With multiple cases surfacing this year alone, cybercrime experts caution that social media impersonation is a growing threat that targets both high-profile individuals and everyday citizens.
“Fraudsters exploit trust in public figures to lure victims. Vigilance and prompt reporting are key to stopping these schemes,” said a cybersecurity analyst who requested anonymity.
Have you encountered suspicious online offers claiming to be from Ham Group? Report them and share your experience in the comments below!
