The Makindye Magistrate’s Court has remanded Ssentumbwe James, over allegedly scamming a Malaysian national USD 150,000 (approximately UGX 551,986, 187 million) in a gold scam.
Ssentumbwe faces multiple charges, including Obtaining Money by False Pretence (USD 150,000), Carrying Out Refining, Smelting, Processing and Trading in Minerals without a Licence, Conspiracy to Defraud, and Forgery.
Prosecution alleged that in January 2026, at Muyonyo in Makindye Division, Ssentumbwe conspired with Mr. Kibuye Adams Yawe (currently at large) to defraud Mr. Kon Kin Kheong, a Malaysian national, of USD 150,000.
The money was allegedly obtained under the false pretext of processing documentation for the export of 50 kilograms of gold to Dubai.
The scheme was reportedly facilitated by Mr. Kibuye’s projection of power and authority, he was allegedly found in possession of a forged State House Identity Card, purporting to identify him as a Political Mobiliser.
Prosecution further informed court that investigations are ongoing, and other suspected co-conspirators remain at large, particularly 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 remanded Ssentumbwe until 6th March 2026, when the case will come up for further hearing.
