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The accused face multiple charges including mingling minerals with intent to defraud, carrying out refining and smelting without a license, obtaining money by false pretenses, and conspiracy to defraud
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News Desk
Kampala
The State House Anti-Corruption Unit, in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), has arraigned seven individuals before the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court on charges related to fraudulent gold dealings. The accused face multiple charges including mingling minerals with intent to defraud, carrying out refining and smelting without a license, obtaining money by false pretenses, and conspiracy to defraud.
The suspects are:
Paluku Kisasi – Congolese national, purported gold seller.
Safari Akonkwa – Congolese national, alleged clearing agent for Legacy Refinery Company.
Isaac Mpende – Congolese national, alleged agent at Legacy Refinery Company Limited.
Abdul Madjid Kahirima – Ugandan national, alleged gold smelter.
Mabwongo Prince – Congolese national, purported gold seller.
Kajjubi Tevin Kyome – Ugandan national, representative of Emerod Co. Ltd.
Tibasiima Barbra, alias Katushabe Sharon – Ugandan national, Secretary of Emerod Co. Ltd.
Prosecution told court that between July and August 2025, the accused allegedly defrauded Mr. Mark Gbillah, a Nigerian businessman, of USD 70,000 (approx. Shs260 m) by falsely claiming they would supply him with seven kilograms of gold through their companies—Legacy Refinery Limited and Emerod Agency Limited. Investigations revealed that the companies had no gold to supply.
The group has been remanded until August 19, 2025 as investigations continue.
The case highlights the growing concern over fraudulent gold transactions in Uganda, which authorities say tarnish the country’s reputation as a hub for mineral trade.
Torch Media Africa
