KAMPALA – In a joint operation demonstrating the government’s unwavering commitment to protecting both local and foreign investors, 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 arrested and arraigned seven individuals involved in a fraudulent fake gold scheme.
At a press briefing, a Senior Officer at the Unit, Mr. Bamwiine Muhorozi, revealed that the suspects had successfully defrauded Mr. Mark Gbillah, a Nigerian businessman, of USD 70,000. The fraudsters, operating under the guise of two companies, Legacy Refinery Limited and Emerod Agency Limited, falsely claimed they could supply him with seven kilograms of gold. In reality, the companies had no genuine gold to supply.
A Coordinated Investigation and Arrest
The arrests were made possible through the cooperation of the victim, Mr. Gbillah, who promptly reported the matter to the Unit. Working together, the Unit set up a controlled meeting with the fraudsters, leading to their arrest before they could extort additional funds from the unsuspecting businessman.
A subsequent search of the suspects’ rented premises in Muyenga, where their fraudulent activities took place, led to the recovery of a significant amount of evidence, including approximately 150 kilograms of fake gold bars and imitation gold nuggets. Mr. Bamwiine noted that this case was particularly significant as the suspects were apprehended in the act, preventing further financial losses to other potential victims.
The seven suspects have been identified as:
- Paluku Kisasi – Congolese national, purported gold seller.
- Safari Akonkwa – Congolese national, purported clearing agent for Legacy Refinery Company.
- Isaac Mpende – Congolese national, purported agent at Legacy Refinery Company Limited.
- Abdul Madjid Kahirima – Ugandan national, purported gold smelter.
- Mabwongo Prince – Congolese national, purported gold seller from Congo.
- Kajjubi Tevin Kyome – Ugandan national, representative of Emerod Co. Ltd.
- Tibasiima Barbra, alias Katushabe Sharon – Ugandan national, Secretary of Emerod Co. Ltd.
Charges and Arraignment
Following their arrest, the seven individuals were formally arraigned before the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court. They have been charged with multiple offenses, including:
- Mingling minerals with intent to defraud
- Carrying out refining and smelting without a license
- Obtaining money by false pretenses
- Conspiracy to commit a felony
The court remanded the suspects until August 19, 2025, to allow for further investigations and the legal process to take its course.
The SH-ACU continues to emphasize that the war on corruption requires a concerted effort from all sectors. The Unit urges members of the public and investors, both domestic and foreign, to exercise extreme caution, verify all business transactions with the relevant government authorities, and to continue reporting suspicious activities to safeguard themselves from fraudulent schemes.
