Written By | Our Reporter
The suspects, Ssekidde Godfrey Lubowa and Ibona Joseph
Search
Kampala
The Anti-Corruption Court in Wandegeya has remanded two men accused of orchestrating a sophisticated fraud scheme that allegedly defrauded foreign investors of more than USD 257,000 (approximately UGX 1 billion) under the guise of securing a military supply contract. The suspects, Ssekidde Godfrey Lubowa and Ibona Joseph, were arraigned by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Directorate and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
They face multiple charges, including money laundering, obtaining money by false pretence, forgery, uttering false documents, personation, and conspiracy to defraud.
Fraudulent Military Deal
Prosecution alleges that between September 2022 and May 2023, the accused, together with others still at large, fraudulently obtained USD 257,896.5 from Namibian-based companies — Etosha Defensive Systems Pty Ltd and Penda Enterprises CC.
The court heard that the suspects falsely claimed they could secure a lucrative government contract to supply military items, including army uniforms, boots, sleeping bags, and mosquito nets.
Investigators further allege that the money was channelled through a law firm’s bank account under the pretext that it was needed for fees, disbursements, and bid security payments to facilitate the registration of a local company and secure approval from the Office of the President.
Impersonation Allegations
Ssekidde is also accused of personating a senior military officer, allegedly presenting himself as a Major General attached to the Office of the President to gain the confidence of the investors.
He has been on remand over the impersonation charges before the latest arraignment.
Remanded to Luzira
The Anti-Corruption Court has remanded the two suspects until May 19, 2026, as investigations continue and efforts intensify to apprehend other individuals believed to have been involved in the scheme.
Authorities say the case highlights the risks of fraudulent intermediaries exploiting international investors through false claims of access to high-level government contracts.
Torch Media Africa
