Kampala, Uganda | The State House Anti-Corruption Unit, working with the Criminal Investigations Directorate, said the group claimed they could supply seven kilograms of gold through two companies, Legacy Refinery Limited and Emerod Agency Limited, but investigations found neither company had gold to sell.
Senior Unit Officer Bamwiine Muhorozi told reporters at the President’s Office in the Parliamentary Building that the suspects lured Nigerian national Mark Gbillah with promises of a lucrative deal before taking his money.
The arrested individuals are:
• Paluku Kisasi – Congolese national, alleged gold seller.
• Safari Akonkwa – Congolese national, alleged clearing agent for Legacy Refinery Company.
• Isaac Mpende – Congolese national, alleged agent at Legacy Refinery Company Limited.
• Abdul Madjid Kahirima – Ugandan national, alleged gold smelter.
• Mabwongo Prince – Congolese national, alleged gold seller from Congo.
• Kajjubi Tevin Kyome – Ugandan national, representative of Emerod Co. Ltd.
• Tibasiima Barbra, alias Katushabe Sharon – Ugandan national, Secretary of Emerod Co. Ltd.
Muhorozi said the breakthrough came when Gbillah immediately reported the matter to the unit, enabling officers to arrange a controlled meeting that led to the arrests before more money could be extorted.
A search of the suspects’ rented property in Muyenga uncovered around 150 kilograms of fake gold bars and imitation gold nuggets, believed to be used in their operations.
Muhorozi noted that gold scams remain a recurring challenge but described this case as significant because the fraudsters were apprehended in the act, preventing losses to other potential victims.
He urged investors and members of the public to verify transactions with relevant authorities and to report any suspicious dealings to avoid falling victim to similar schemes.
The suspects are expected to appear in court to face charges.
