(KAMPALA) – Robert Baluku, 37, has been charged with obtaining UGX 37 million under false pretenses, after allegedly impersonating a doctor employed by the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO). Baluku appeared at Nakawa Chief Magistrates’ Court today (October 24, 2024), where he denied the charges before grade one magistrate Frank Namanya. The charges stem from two separate incidents in which he is accused of deceiving individuals into paying large sums of money in exchange for non-existent job opportunities.
The prosecution, led by State Attorney Viola Tusingwire, told the court that the investigations into the matter had been completed, and requested that a date be set for the hearing. The court then adjourned the case to November 12, 2024.
According to the charge sheet, Baluku, who resides in Mutungo Binna, Nakawa Division, Kampala City, is accused of committing the crimes between March 2021 and June 2022.
The prosecution alleges that during this period, Baluku deceived one victim, Doreen Amullen, into paying UGX 18.5 million by falsely claiming that he could secure her brother, Joseph Emmanuel Achulokin, a job at the Ministry of Health, where he pretended to be a doctor in the office of the permanent secretary.
In a separate incident, Baluku is accused of defrauding Simon Ojore of UGX 17.8 million between September 2021 and June 2022. He allegedly promised to secure a job for Ojore with the Malaria project, claiming to be a doctor employed by the Ministry of Health and working with the WHO.
The charges against Baluku fall under Section 305 of the Penal Code Act, which criminalizes obtaining money by false pretenses. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison.
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Accused | Robert Baluku, 37 |
| Charge | Obtaining money by false pretenses |
| Amount Involved | UGX 37 million |
| Alleged Victims | Doreen Amullen and Simon Ojore |
| Alleged Offense Period | March 2021 – June 2022 |
| Court Date | November 12, 2024 |
| Potential Sentence | Up to 5 years imprisonment |
Baluku pleaded not guilty to the charges, and until his trial date, he remains in remand at Luzira Prison.
