Senior government officials have intensified efforts to decisively tackle gold trade fraud in Uganda, unveiling measures aimed at safeguarding investors and curbing black market activities.
During a follow-up meeting on gold trade fraud at the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU) offices in Kampala, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, Eng. Irene Batebe, warned that gold remains the main target for fraudsters, with numerous investors falling victim to fake deals.
“The fight against gold fraud requires coordinated action across all government agencies. Efforts must be integrated within an ecosystem to ensure lasting impact,” Eng. Batebe said, highlighting ongoing steps to streamline the sector.
Uganda currently lacks designated points for buying and selling gold, unlike Tanzania where transactions are fully tracked. Eng. Batebe announced plans to work with the Attorney General to legislate official mineral markets and buying centres. Proposed locations include Entebbe and Busia as selling hubs, and Kassanda, Moroto, or Kotido as buying centres. She warned that trading outside these centres will constitute a criminal offence.
The Ministry is also establishing a digital platform to support gold tracking and automatic revenue collection. Strengthened border patrols and a new cyber desk at Uganda Police Force will monitor smuggling and online mineral fraud.
Brig. Gen. Henry Isoke, Head of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, called for game-changing regulations and reinforced strategic collaboration among agencies. Col. Edith Nakalema, SHIPU Head, emphasized vigilance, investor protection, and law enforcement along the gold trade value chain.
In a recent operation, Brig. Gen. Isoke’s unit arrested seven suspects involved in a fake gold deal defrauding a Nigerian businessman of USD 70,000. ACP Julius Caesar Tusingwire, Police Minerals Protection Unit Commander, reported that 15 illegal gold refineries in Muyenga, Buziga, and surrounding areas had been shut down, recovering fake gold, cash, and equipment.
Officials agreed on monthly technical committee meetings, a registry for mineral dealers, and close coordination with security agencies to eliminate fraud networks. “48 cases have been reported in just four months. Only through united and decisive action can we overcome this challenge,” said AIGP Frank Mwesigwa, Uganda Police Director of Operations.
Brig. Gen. Mike Kisame of Entebbe Aviation Security noted that fraud often involves politically and financially connected individuals, underscoring the need for swift, collaborative action.
With these measures, Uganda aims to decisively combat gold scams, protect investors, and ensure transparent, accountable trade in the minerals sector.
