Fraudster Remanded Over Scamming Malaysian National UGX 551 Million in Gold Scam
MAKINDYE, UGANDA — The Makindye Magistrate’s Court has remanded Ssentumbwe James to prison for allegedly defrauding a Malaysian national of USD 150,000 (approximately UGX 551 million) in an elaborate gold scam.
Ssentumbwe appeared before the court on Wednesday facing multiple charges, including Obtaining Money by False Pretence, Carrying Out Refining and Trading in Minerals without a Licence, Conspiracy to Defraud, and Forgery.
How the Scheme Unfolded
According to prosecution evidence presented in court, the offense occurred in January 2026 at Muyonyo in Makindye Division. Court heard that Ssentumbwe conspired with Mr. Kibuye Adams Yawe, who remains at large, to defraud Mr. Kon Kin Kheong, a Malaysian national.
The suspects allegedly obtained the money under the false pretence that they would process documentation required for the export of 50 kilograms of gold to Dubai.
Forged State House ID Discovered
Prosecutors revealed that the scheme was facilitated by Kibuye’s projection of power and authority, bolstered by his possession of a forged State House Identity Card that falsely identified him as a Political Mobiliser.
The court was further informed that investigations are ongoing, with other suspected co-conspirators still at large. Authorities have particularly identified individuals linked to Hey Transporters and Logistics in Lweza–Lubowa, Wakiso District, where the suspects allegedly conducted illegal gold “processing” operations at an unlicensed refinery.
Court Remand
The magistrate presiding over the case remanded Ssentumbwe until tomorrow, March 6, 2026, when the case will come up for further hearing.
The State House Anti-Corruption Unit is assisting with the ongoing investigations as authorities work to apprehend the remaining suspects connected to the sophisticated gold scam.
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