By Spy Uganda
Seven individuals, including both Ugandan and Congolese nationals, have been arraigned before the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court on serious charges related to a fraudulent gold deal.
The suspects, identified as Paluku Kisasi, Safari Akonkwa, Isaac Mpende, Abdul Madjid Kahirima, Mabwongo Prince, Kajjubi Tevin Kyome, and Tibasiima Barbra alias Katushabe Sharon, face multiple counts of mingling minerals with intent to defraud, carrying out refining and smelting without a license, obtaining money by false pretenses, and conspiracy.
According to prosecutors, between July and August 2025, the group allegedly conspired to defraud a Nigerian businessman, Mr. Mark Gbillah, of USD 70,000. They reportedly lured him into believing they would supply seven kilograms of gold through their companies, Legacy Refinery Limited and Emerod Agency Limited. However, investigators revealed that neither of the companies possessed any gold, and the transaction was a calculated scheme to swindle the victim.
The case was brought to court following a joint investigation led by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (@AntiGraft_SH), in partnership with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
In court, the suspects denied the charges but were remanded until 19th August 2025 as investigations continue. Authorities have emphasized that Uganda remains committed to curbing cross-border mineral fraud, a racket that has tarnished the reputation of the country’s mineral trade in recent years.
This case adds to a growing number of fake gold scams targeting foreign investors in Uganda, prompting renewed calls for stricter regulation of the mineral sector and vigilance among business communities engaging in gold transactions.
