In a recent development, James Jeff Mugisha, aged 34, and Godfrey Maviri, aged 38, both self-employed, were brought before Magistrate Rehema Nassozi Ssebowa at Kampala Capital City Authority City (KCCA) Hall. The State House Anti-Corruption Unit has accused them of engaging in fraudulent activities involving a Korean investor and approximately UGX 1 billion in a gold scam.
During the court proceedings, the accused individuals pleaded not guilty to the charges leveled against them. Magistrate Nassozi informed them that they could be granted bail, but they were unable to provide suitable sureties, leading to their remand in Luzira prison until October 25.
The charges against Mugisha and Maviri include two counts of obtaining money by false pretense, as per section 305 of the Penal Code Act, and conspiracy to commit a felony, in violation of section 390 of the Penal Code Act.
The prosecution, represented by Ms. Mercy Yamangusho Khaidarah, stated that the investigation in the case has been completed. However, due to the presence of other suspects who remain at large, she requested that the next mention date for the case be set to facilitate their arrest.
According to the charge sheet, between August 2021 and November 2021, at the offices of M/S NSB Advocates on Parliamentary Avenue in Kampala City, Mugisha, Maviri, and others, who are currently fugitives, conspired to defraud Mr. Hyun UK Kim of $300,000 (approximately UGX 1,120,770,000 billion) by falsely claiming to sell him 53 kilograms of gold.
The State House Anti-Corruption Unit revealed that Mugisha initiated contact with Mr. Hyun, who was interested in buying gold, and connected him with the alleged gold seller. After Mr. Hyun’s arrival at the airport, he was picked up by the seller’s alleged son and interpreter. Subsequently, they met at the Imperial Residence Apartment, where Mr. Hyun was shown gold nuggets. Later, they were taken to M/S NSB Advocates and legal consultants.
According to the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed for Mr. Hyun to pay a deposit of $208,000 (approximately UGX 700 million). He was advised to provide cash, which he handed over to the law firm. Instead of transporting the gold by land as initially agreed, Mr. Hyun was asked to pay $62,000 (over UGX 200 million) for Cargo Flight Insurance.
During the investigation, six kilograms of suspected gold nuggets were discovered at Maviri’s residence, who was present during the transactions at the law firm in question.
