DATE: July 23, 2025
The State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU), in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), has successfully intercepted a sophisticated criminal network that was attempting to defraud a Turkish investor of nearly $5 million (approximately UGX 18.1 billion). The Deputy Head of the Unit, Mr. Israel Ochwo, announced the breakthrough during a press briefing, highlighting the critical role of investor vigilance and inter-agency collaboration in combating sophisticated fraud.
The intercepted scheme targeted a Turkish businessman, Mr. Furkan Gumran, and his company, SIRUS BLUE CHEMICAL MANUFACTURING CO. LTD. The fraudsters lured Mr. Gumran with a fake $4.95 million contract to supply AD BLUE solution, a chemical used to reduce carbon emissions, to the Ministry of Energy. The suspects, who were arrested on July 22, 2025, presented themselves as members of a non-existent “Special Contracts Committee” within the Office of the President, which they claimed was responsible for overseeing the procurement.
The implicated fraudsters included Dr. Charles Mulyansaka (Chairman) of the fake Special Contracts Committee, Moses Mwesigwa (fake Director of Procurement), Moses Seruma (fake Communication/IT Specialist), and Peter Watum (fake Secretary). Their elaborate scheme involved forging documents with fake stamps, purporting to originate from the Office of the President, to create a convincing illusion of a legitimate deal. According to Mr. Ochwo, to enhance their credibility, the fraudsters even arranged meetings for their victims near actual government offices in Kampala.
The operation’s success was a direct result of Mr. Gumran’s prudence. He was initially contacted via social media and, after being given convincing but counterfeit documents, he “sensed irregularities” and reported the matter to SH-ACU. This allowed the Unit to set up a controlled meeting with the fraudsters, which ultimately led to their arrest at AHA Towers in Kampala before any funds were transferred. Mr. Ochwo praised Mr. Gumran’s actions, calling them an exemplary model for how other investors should respond when faced with suspicious business transactions in Uganda.
Following their arrest, the four suspects were arraigned before the Buganda Road Chief Magistrates Court on charges of forgery, uttering false documents, attempting to commit a felony, and electronic fraud. They have been remanded until August 11, 2025.
This successful sting operation is part of the Unit’s broader mandate to protect a secure investment landscape in Uganda. According to SH-ACU, the Unit has received numerous complaints and intercepted other multi-million dollar scams. The suspects in this recent case are also believed to be linked to other major fraud schemes that have resulted in significant losses for international companies, including a U.S. company that lost Shs2.2 billion, and a South African company that was defrauded of $1.4 million in a separate fake deal.
As part of its ongoing efforts, SH-ACU works in collaboration with other government bodies, including its sister agency, the State House Investors Protection Unit (SH-IPU). Mr. Ochwo urged all foreign investors approached with offers of government contracts to perform thorough background checks and verify the authenticity of such proposals with either SH-ACU or SH-IPU and The Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA). He emphasized that the government is committed to protecting investors and ensuring that development funds are used transparently and accountably.
The press briefing concluded with a public call for information regarding the whereabouts of a fugitive fraudster, Ssekidde Lubowa Godfrey, also known as “Maj Gen. Sam Kiwanuka.” He is wanted for defrauding Sidari Limited (Kenya) of USD 197,670 using forged documents from the Office of the President and the Bank of Uganda. Members of the public with any information are urged to come forward and report it to the Unit through its known toll free numbers.
