A man accused of masterminding a $150,000 (about Shs585 million) gold scam has been remanded to prison following his arraignment at Makindye Magistrate’s Court.
James Ssentumbwe appeared in court on Tuesday, presented by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Directorate and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. He was remanded until March 6, 2026.
He faces multiple charges, including obtaining money by false pretence involving $150,000, carrying out refining, smelting, processing, and trading in minerals without a licence, conspiracy to defraud, and forgery.
According to the State House Anti-Corruption Unit spokesperson, Marian Natasha, the accused allegedly defrauded a Malaysian investor through a fraudulent gold export scheme.
“It is alleged that in January 2026, at Muyonyo in Makindye Division, Ssentumbwe James conspired with Mr Adams Kibuye Yawe, who is currently at large, to defraud Mr Kon Kin Kheong, a Malaysian national, of $150,000,” Natasha stated.
She explained that the money was obtained under false pretences, with the suspects claiming it was meant to facilitate documentation for the export of 50 kilograms of gold to Dubai.
“The suspect allegedly received the money on the pretext of processing export documents for 50 kilograms of gold destined for Dubai, which was not true,” she added.
Natasha further revealed that the scheme involved misrepresentation of authority.
“The fraud was aided by Mr Kibuye’s projection of power and authority. He was found in possession of a forged State House Identity Card purporting to identify him as a Political Mobiliser,” she said.
Investigations have also linked the suspects to illegal mineral processing activities in Wakiso District.
“Investigations are ongoing, and other suspected co-conspirators remain at large, particularly individuals linked to Hey Transporters and Logistics in Lweza–Lubowa, Wakiso District, where illegal gold ‘processing’ operations were allegedly being conducted at an unlicensed refinery,” Natasha noted.
Authorities say efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects as investigations continue.