Makindye Court, on Wednesday remanded a man accused of defrauding a Malaysian national of Shs570 million (USD 150,000) in a gold export scam.
The suspect appeared before the court after being arraigned by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, working jointly with CID and the ODPP.
The accused, James Ssentumbwe, faces multiple charges including Obtaining Money by False Pretence, illegal refining, smelting, processing, and trading in minerals, Conspiracy to Defraud, and Forgery.
Investigators say that in January 2026, at Muyonyo in Makindye Division, Ssentumbwe allegedly conspired with Kibuye Adams Yawe—currently at large—to defraud Mr. Kon Kin Kheong, a Malaysian national, of USD 150,000.
The money was reportedly obtained under the false pretext of processing documentation for the export of 50 kilograms of gold to Dubai.
The scheme was allegedly aided by Kibuye, who is said to have used a forged State House Identity Card, claiming to be a Political Mobiliser, to intimidate and deceive the victim.
During the hearing, the Makindye Magistrate’s Court remanded Ssentumbwe until 6 March 2026 as investigations continue.
Authorities say other suspected co-conspirators remain at large, including individuals linked to Hey Transporters and Logistics in Lweza–Lubowa, Wakiso District, where illegal gold “processing” operations allegedly took place at an unlicensed refinery.
The Anti-Corruption Unit and CID have vowed to continue investigations to track down all individuals involved in the scheme.
