Eleven suspects accused of defrauding a businessman of more than $2.5 million(approximately shs11 billion) and laundering the proceeds have been remanded to Luzira Prison by the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court.
The accused include Peter Lubwama, Henry Ochown alias Malong Tong, Pascal Owori alias Majong Steven, Hassan Mohammed Abdallah, Doreen Nabiimara, Sabano Phiro Moureen, Frank Kamya, Willy Sserunjogi, Samuel Ssempala, Juma Okech and Richard Kanakulya.
Prosecution alleges that the suspects and others still at large allegedly obtained money from businessman Omulen Levy Lawrence between May 2023 and July 2024 by falsely claiming that they were jointly investing in the development of an industrial park in Namawojjolo, Mukono District.
Court documents indicate that the complainant allegedly lost more than $2.568 million through cash payments, bank deposits and mobile money transactions conducted in Kampala, Busia, Mbale and Pallisa districts.
The suspects face multiple charges, including conspiracy to defraud, receiving stolen property, uttering counterfeit currency notes, possession of forged currency notes and money laundering.
Prosecution further alleges that part of the suspected proceeds was used to acquire land, motor vehicles and other assets, which were later transferred to various individuals in an attempt to conceal their origin.
The accused appeared before Buganda Road Chief Magistrate Ritah Neumbe Kidasa but were not allowed to enter pleas because some of the offences are capital in nature and fall under the jurisdiction of the High Court.
The magistrate remanded the suspects to Luzira Prison until July 9, 2026, to allow police to complete investigations and apprehend additional suspects who remain at large.
However, the accused, who collectively face more than 45 charges, denied wrongdoing and instead alleged that the complainant, Omulen Levy Lawrence, is involved in a counterfeit currency racket. The claims were raised in court but have not been independently verified.