Seven Arrested in Kampala Over USD 70,000 Fake Gold Scam
Kampala, Uganda – August 13, 2025 — The State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU), working with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), has arrested seven suspects in connection with a sophisticated fake gold scam that defrauded a Nigerian businessman of USD 70,000.
During a press briefing held Tuesday, Senior Officer Bamwiine Muhorozi revealed that the suspects falsely promised to supply seven kilograms of gold to Nigerian national Mark Gbillah through two companies — Legacy Refinery Limited and Emerod Agency Limited. Investigations confirmed that neither company had any real gold.
The arrested suspects include:
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Paluku Kisasi – Congolese national, alleged gold seller
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Safari Akonkwa – Congolese national, alleged clearing agent for Legacy Refinery
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Isaac Mpende – Congolese national, alleged agent at Legacy Refinery
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Abdul Madjid Kahirima – Ugandan national, alleged gold smelter
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Mabwongo Prince – Congolese national, alleged gold seller from Congo
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Kajjubi Tevin Kyome – Ugandan national, representative of Emerod Co. Ltd
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Barbra Tibasiima (alias Katushabe Sharon) – Ugandan national, Secretary of Emerod Co. Ltd
Authorities credit Gbillah’s quick response for the breakthrough. After suspecting fraud, he immediately alerted the SH-ACU, allowing officers to set up a controlled meeting that led to the arrests before additional funds could be stolen.
A search of the suspects’ rented property in Muyenga uncovered about 150 kilograms of fake gold bars and imitation nuggets, believed to be tools of the fraud operation.
“This case is significant because the suspects were caught in the act, stopping the scam before it could expand to other victims,” said Muhorozi.
He urged investors and the public to verify all gold and business transactions through the proper authorities and to report any suspicious dealings.
The suspects are currently in custody and will be charged in court. Authorities reiterated their commitment to cracking down on economic crimes and protecting both local and international investors.
