Three people, including two South Korean nationals and a Ugandan lawyer, have been remanded to prison after being charged with kidnapping and theft involving 1kg of gold valued at Shs470 million (about USD129,000).
The suspects are Kim Seung Kyum and Kim Chung Khuk, both South Korean nationals, and Eugene Ashabahebwa, a Ugandan lawyer.
They were arraigned before the Kajjansi Magistrates Court on Thursday following investigations by the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU) in collaboration with the Police Mineral Protection Unit (PMPU) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
Prosecution alleges that the suspects, together with others who are still at large, kidnapped Kimuli Ismail in July 2026 at the offices of Frontline Air & Sea Ltd in Lubowa, Makindye-Ssabagabo, Wakiso District, and unlawfully took him from Uganda to South Korea.
The suspects are also accused of stealing 1kg of gold valued at USD129,000, belonging to Mpuuga Arafat.
According to SHIPU, Mpuuga reported the matter to the Police Mineral Protection Unit on July 19, 2026, prompting a joint investigation that led to the arrest of the three suspects.
The court remanded the accused to prison until August 31, 2026, when they are expected to return for further proceedings.
SHIPU said it remains committed to combating fraud and protecting investors while working with relevant government agencies to promote a secure investment environment.
