7 Congolese, Ugandan Nationals Arrested in $70,000 Fake Gold Scam Targeting Nigerian Businessman
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

The State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU) in Uganda, in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), has arrested seven individuals accused of defrauding a Nigerian businessman of USD 70,000 in a sophisticated fake gold deal.

The suspects — four Congolese and three Ugandan nationals — allegedly posed as suppliers and agents for two companies, Legacy Refinery Limited and Emerod Agency Limited, convincing the victim, Mr. Mark Gbillah, that they could deliver seven kilograms of gold. Investigations later confirmed that neither company possessed any genuine gold to supply.

Those arrested 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.

Addressing journalists at the Parliamentary Building in Kampala on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, SH-ACU Senior Officer Mr. Bamwiine Muhorozi revealed that the operation was initiated after the victim reported the matter.

“We worked with Mr. Gbillah to set up a controlled meeting with the suspects, leading to their arrest before they could solicit more money,” Muhorozi said.

A search of the suspects’ rented premises in Muyenga uncovered approximately 150 kilograms of fake gold bars and imitation gold nuggets, which were allegedly used to lure unsuspecting investors.

The arrests highlight a growing wave of gold fraud cases targeting foreign investors. Earlier this year, a Turkish businessman lost Shs 550 million (about USD 150,000) in a similar scheme, while in mid-2024, another investor was defrauded of USD 105,000 in a bogus deal involving 20 kilograms of non-existent gold.

Regional statistics indicate that between early 2021 and March 2022, investors in Uganda and Kenya collectively lost an estimated USD 25 million to gold scams, with some individual cases involving sums exceeding USD 8 million.

Mr. Bamwiine stressed that while SH-ACU has intercepted several gold scams in recent years, this case was notable because the suspects were apprehended in the act. He urged investors to verify transactions with the appropriate authorities and to report suspicious activities without delay.

The suspects are expected to be formally charged in court in the coming days.

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