A Kampala businessman has been arraigned before the Anti-Corruption Court over allegations of defrauding foreign investors of more than Shs1.1 billion in a fake government contract scheme.
The suspect, identified as Gilbert Tumwebaze Bafanabyo, also known as Albert, was jointly charged by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, Criminal Investigations Directorate, and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
According to prosecutors, Tumwebaze faces charges of obtaining money by false pretence, money laundering, and impersonation.
Court documents indicate that between July 2022 and April 2023, within Kampala District, the accused allegedly posed as a manager of a fictitious company, Sky Link International, and used the alias “Albert” to execute the fraud.
It is alleged that Tumwebaze and accomplices still at large devised a scheme targeting investors from Qatar, from whom they obtained USD 286,910 (approximately Shs1.1 billion). The money was reportedly solicited as “performance security fees” for a purported government contract.
Prosecution contends that the accused falsely claimed the funds were required for a Government of Uganda project to construct six technical model schools in Wakiso, Kasanda, Pader, Garuga, Nampungwe and Busunju.
Investigators say no such contract or procurement arrangement existed, and that the accused was aware the claims were false at the time.
Tumwebaze appeared before the Anti-Corruption Court and was remanded until April 17, 2026, as investigations into the matter continue and efforts to apprehend his alleged accomplices intensify.
Authorities say the case highlights ongoing efforts to crack down on fraud schemes targeting both local and international investors.
