The Buganda Road Chief Magistrates Court remanded 18-year-old Senior Three student Ruth Nandase and 33-year-old builder Babu Maniharah to Luzira Prison for allegedly impersonating businessman Hamis Kiggundu and engaging in fraudulent activities. Both residents of Bugabwe village, Nakigo Sub-county, Iganga District, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi on Wednesday and denied charges of impersonation under Section 354(1) and cheating under Section 287 of the Penal Code Act.
Prosecutors allege that between 2023 and February 2024, Nandase, Maniharah, and others still at large posed as Hamis Kiggundu of Hamis Enterprises Limited to deceive victims in Kampala’s Central Division. They face joint charges with Frank Sempa, previously remanded by the same court. One victim, Shafic Kawooya, reportedly lost 50,000 shillings to Sempa, who falsely promised a loan while posing as Kiggundu. The scheme came to light when Karim Serugo, Public Relations Officer at Hamis Enterprises, identified an impersonator on TikTok and alerted authorities.
Court records reveal police apprehended Nandase and Maniharah en route to Iganga. After detention at Kampala Central Police Station, they were presented in court. Lacking sureties, both were remanded to Luzira Prison until April 28, 2025. State Attorney Ivan Kyazze noted that investigations continue.
Under Uganda’s Penal Code Act, impersonation carries a potential penalty of up to seven years in prison.
