Uganda’s State House Anti-Corruption Unit charged Ibona Joseph with obtaining money by false pretences over a bogus $4.95 million AdBlue supply contract targeting the ministries of Energy and Works.
The group, including previously charged suspects like Mulyansaka Charles and others posing as senior officials, allegedly tricked the investor out of $50,000 for unnecessary company registration.
Joseph was remanded until April 10, 2026, as the probe continues with possible more arrests to protect investors and clean up impersonation scams.
In a statement issued on March 24, the Anti-Corruption Unit – State House Uganda said Ibona was charged before the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Directorate and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
He faces charges of obtaining money by false pretences and has been remanded until April 10, 2026.
Prosecutors allege that Ibona is part of a wider group of fraudsters previously charged in connection with the same case. The group includes Mulyansaka Charles, also known as Dr. Muo Dickens; Watum Peter; and Twebaze Drake, alias Dr. John Karuhanga.
Investigations indicate that the suspects were involved in a fraudulent deal claiming to supply AdBlue solution—a chemical used to reduce carbon emissions in vehicle engines—valued at approximately $4.95 million. The purported transaction targeted several government entities, including the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development and the Ministry of Works and Transport.
Authorities further allege that Ibona and his associates attempted to obtain $50,000 from an investor under false claims that the funds were required to register a company, TMA Africa Proprietary Limited, in Uganda. Investigators say this claim was fraudulent.
The Anti-Corruption Unit has reiterated its commitment to pursuing individuals involved in defrauding investors, warning that such schemes undermine Uganda’s investment climate and economic integrity.
The case will resume on April 10, 2026.
