KAMPALA, Uganda — An 18-year-old senior three student has been fined 100,000 Ugandan shillings ($27) after admitting in court to impersonating businessman Hamis Kiggundu, known as Ham.
Ruth Nandase pleaded guilty to personation and cheating in Buganda Road Court before Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi. Prosecutor Ivan Kyazze told the court that Nandase and the state had agreed to the fine.
Kyazze explained the lenient sentence, saying Nandase was a student with limited involvement. Her father, a local council chairman, was in court and pledged to help authorities find the main individuals behind the scheme.
“She was manipulated into participating. We have engaged her father, who has committed to helping track down the real mastermind,” Kyazze said.
Karim Serugo, public relations officer for Hamis Enterprises, said Nandase’s father’s leadership position in the area where the crime occurred made his cooperation important for apprehending the primary suspect.
Nandase was charged alongside Babu Maniharah, 33, a builder, and Frank Sempa, 25, a hawker, who were remanded until May 14.
Prosecutors allege the group impersonated Kiggundu between 2023 and February 2024 to defraud people in Kampala’s Central Division. On Jan. 29, 2025, Sempa allegedly defrauded Shafic Kawooya of 50,000 shillings ($13) by promising a loan.
Serugo encountered the impersonators on TikTok, leading to a police investigation that resulted in the arrests of Nandase and Maniharah. They were detained at the Central Police Station in Kampala.
