Uganda’s State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU), in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), has arrested seven individuals—four Congolese and three Ugandan nationals—accused of defrauding a Nigerian businessman of $70,000 in a fake gold deal.
The suspects allegedly posed as representatives and agents of two companies, Legacy Refinery Limited and Emerod Agency Limited, convincing the victim, Mr. Mark Gbillah, that they could supply seven kilograms of gold. However, investigations revealed that neither company possessed any real gold.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Paluku Kisasi, Safari Akonkwa, Isaac Mpende, Abdul Madjid Kahirima, Mabwongo Prince, Kajjubi Tevin Kyome, and Tibasiima Barbra, also known as Katushabe Sharon.
Speaking to journalists at the SH-ACU offices at the Parliamentary Building in Kampala on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, Senior Officer Mr. Bamwiine Muhorozi stated that the operation was launched after the businessman filed a complaint.
“We worked closely with Mr. Gbillah to arrange a controlled meeting with the suspects, which led to their arrest before they could extort more money,” Muhorozi said.
A search of the suspects’ rented residence in Muyenga uncovered approximately 150 kilograms of fake gold bars and imitation gold nuggets, believed to be used to deceive investors.
The arrests highlight a growing trend in gold-related fraud schemes targeting foreign investors. Earlier in 2025, a Turkish investor lost UGX 550 million (around $150,000) in a similar scam. In mid-2024, another victim was swindled out of $105,000 in a bogus 20-kilogram gold deal.
Regional data indicates that between early 2021 and March 2022, investors in Uganda and Kenya lost an estimated $25 million to gold scams, with some individual cases involving losses of over $8 million.
Mr. Bamwiine emphasized that although SH-ACU has intercepted multiple fraudulent gold operations, this particular case was notable as the suspects were apprehended mid-operation.
He urged investors to conduct proper due diligence with relevant authorities and report any suspicious business dealings without delay.
The suspects are expected to appear in court in the coming days.
