A Kampala court has remanded a suspect accused of defrauding a foreign investor in a gold export scam worth $150,000 (about Shs570 million).
The suspect, Ssentumbwe James, was on Thursday arraigned before the Makindye Magistrate’s Court following a joint investigation by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, the Criminal Investigations Directorate, and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Prosecutors told court that Ssentumbwe faces several charges including obtaining money by false pretence, conspiracy to defraud, forgery, and carrying out refining, smelting, processing and trading in minerals without a licence.
Court heard that the suspect was remanded until March 6, 2026 as investigations continue.
Alleged Gold Export Scheme
According to investigators, the accused allegedly conspired with Kibuye Adams Yawe, who is currently on the run, to defraud Kon Kin Kheong, a Malaysian national.
The alleged fraud occurred in January 2026 in Muyonyo, Makindye Division in Kampala, where the suspects reportedly convinced the investor to pay $150,000 under the pretext that the money would facilitate documentation for the export of 50 kilograms of gold to Dubai.
Authorities say the transaction was part of a broader scam targeting foreign investors interested in Uganda’s gold trade.
Forged State House Identity Card
Investigators further allege that Kibuye presented himself as a powerful figure to gain the victim’s trust.
He was reportedly found in possession of a forged State House identity card claiming he was a political mobiliser, which authorities believe was used to give credibility to the scheme.
Investigations Continue
Authorities say investigations are ongoing to locate Kibuye and other suspected accomplices linked to the operation.
Preliminary findings indicate that the suspects may have been conducting illegal gold “processing” activities at an unlicensed refinery operated by Hey Transporters and Logistics in Lweza–Lubowa in Wakiso District.
The State House Anti-Corruption Unit said the crackdown is part of continued efforts by the government to curb gold scams that have in recent years targeted foreign investors in Uganda.
Officials urged members of the public and potential investors to verify mineral trading licences with the relevant authorities before engaging in gold transactions.
