Kampala, Uganda – A Nigerian Member of Parliament (MP) and investor has allegedly been defrauded of $70,000 (about Shs270 million) in a gold scam in Kampala, prompting the arrest of seven suspects in a joint security operation.
The arrests, carried out in the Kampala suburbs of Muyenga and Bukasa, were conducted by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit working alongside the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID). The operation followed a tip-off from the Nigerian High Commission, which played a key role in the investigation.
How the Scam Unfolded
According to investigators, the scheme was executed in two separate transactions. On July 15, a company identified as Emerode Agency Ltd allegedly promised to supply the MP with three kilograms of gold in exchange for $30,000. Payment was made, but no gold was delivered.
Despite the first setback, the MP proceeded with another deal through Legacy Refinery Company Limited, paying $40,000 for an additional four kilograms of gold. Again, the gold never materialized.
When authorities intervened, the suspects reportedly admitted to being involved in selling fake gold “for some time.”
Suspects in Custody
Police identified the suspects as:
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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
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Kajjubi Tevin Kyome – Ugandan national, representative of Emerod Co. Ltd.
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Tibasiima Barbra alias Katushabe Sharon – Ugandan national, Secretary of Emerod Co. Ltd.
Police Warning Over Gold Scams
Authorities have commended the Nigerian High Commission for its intelligence sharing and cooperation, which they say was vital to the arrests. The CID has since warned of a growing trend in gold-related fraud targeting foreign investors.
“We caution all investors to conduct proper due diligence. These scams are increasingly sophisticated and costly,” a CID spokesperson said.
The suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue.
