KAMPALA, UGANDA: March 4, 2026 – In a significant crackdown on mineral-related crime, the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU), in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the Office of the DPP, has arraigned a key suspect in a massive gold fraud scheme. Ssentumbwe James appeared before the Makindye Magistrate’s Court today, where he was remanded until March 6, 2026, pending further legal proceedings.
The prosecution alleges that in January 2026, Ssentumbwe conspired with Mr. Kibuye Adams Yawe (who is currently at large) to defraud Mr. Kon Kin Kheong, a Malaysian national.
The duo reportedly convinced the victim to part with USD 150,000 under the guise of processing documentation for the export of 50 kilograms of gold to Dubai.
The fraud was reportedly bolstered by an elaborate “projection of power.” Investigators reveal:
Political Impersonation: Mr. Kibuye allegedly used a forged State House Identity Card, falsely identifying himself as a “Political Mobiliser” to gain the victim’s trust.
Illegal Operations: The suspects allegedly operated an unlicensed refinery under the name Hey Transporters and Logistics located in Lweza–Lubowa, Wakiso District.
Ssentumbwe faces a laundry list of serious offenses of Obtaining Money by False Pretence, Conspiracy to Defraud,Forgery, and Carrying Out Refining, Smelting, Processing, and Trading in Minerals without a License.
Ongoing Investigations
While Ssentumbwe remains in custody, the hunt for his accomplices intensifies. Security agencies are actively pursuing Mr. Kibuye and other individuals linked to the Lweza–Lubowa facility.
Authorities continue to warn foreign investors and the public to exercise extreme caution and verify all mineral trading licenses through official channels to avoid falling prey to sophisticated “gold-wash” syndicates.
”The government remains committed to sanitizing the mineral sector and ensuring that those who use the name of the State House to commit crimes are brought to book.” — Summary of the SHACU briefing.
