Ugandan Man Held in $150,000 Gold Scam Targeting Malaysian Investor
KAMPALA, UGANDA – A 32-year-old man has been remanded to prison following his appearance in court over a sophisticated gold scam that allegedly defrauded a Malaysian investor of a staggering USD 150,000 (approximately Shs. 550 million).
Ssentumbwe James was arraigned this afternoon before the Makindye Magistrate’s Court on multiple charges, including Obtaining Money by False Pretence, Conspiracy to Defraud, Forgery, and Illegal Mineral Dealer Activities. He has been ordered to be held on remand until March 6th, 2026.
The State, represented by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), alleges that Ssentumbwe and his accomplice, Mr. Kibuye Adams Yawe, who is currently at large, conspired to swindle a Malaysian national, Mr. Kon Kin Kheong.
Court documents indicate that the crime took place in January 2026 in the Muyonyo area of Makindye Division. The suspects allegedly convinced the victim to part with the large sum of money under the false pretence that they could process the necessary documentation to facilitate the export of 50 kilograms of gold to Dubai.
The alleged scam was given an air of legitimacy by Mr. Yawe, who reportedly projected an image of significant political influence. According to the State Anti-Corruption Agency (@AntiGraft_SH), which conducted the investigation alongside the CID, Mr. Yawe was found in possession of a forged State House Identity Card that fraudulently identified him as a Political Mobiliser.
Investigations into the matter are still ongoing. Authorities have stated that other suspected co-conspirators remain on the run. Particular attention is being focused on individuals linked to Hey Transporters and Logistics, a company operating in the Lweza–Lubowa area of Wakiso District. It is alleged that the suspects were using an unlicensed refinery at this location to conduct illegal gold “processing” operations as part of their scheme to deceive the foreign investor.
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