Kampala, Uganda – A Nigerian Member of Parliament (MP) and investor has been allegedly swindled out of $70,000 (approximately Shs270 million) in a fake gold scam in Kampala, leading to the arrest of seven suspects.
The arrests were carried out in a joint operation by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit and the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) in the Kampala suburbs of Muyenga and Bukasa.
The operation was initiated following a tip-off from the Nigerian High Commission.
The seven suspects have been identified as:
- Paluku Kisasi – Congolese national, alleged gold seller
- Safari Akonkwa – Congolese national, alleged clearing agent for Legacy Refinery
- Isaac Mpende – Congolese national, alleged agent at Legacy Refinery
- Abdul Madjid Kahirima – Ugandan national, alleged gold smelter
- Mabwongo Prince – Congolese national, alleged gold seller
- Kajjubi Tevin Kyome – Ugandan national, representative of Emerod Co. Ltd.
- Tibasiima Barbra alias Katushabe Sharon – Ugandan national, Secretary of Emerod Co. Ltd.
According to investigators, the scheme played out in two stages. On July 15, a company identified as Emerode Agency Ltd promised to supply the MP with 3 kilograms of gold in exchange for $30,000. The payment was made, but the gold never arrived.
Still hopeful, the investor proceeded with a second deal through Legacy Refinery Company Limited, paying $40,000 for an additional 4 kilograms of gold. Once again, no gold was delivered.
When police moved in, the suspects allegedly confessed to being involved in selling fake gold “for some time.”
Authorities have commended the Nigerian High Commission for its cooperation and intelligence support, which proved crucial in making the arrests.
The Ugandan Police have since warned of a rise in gold-related scams and urged the public — especially foreign investors to verify companies and individuals before engaging in precious metal transactions.
“We caution all investors to conduct proper due diligence. These scams are increasingly sophisticated and costly,” said a CID spokesperson.
The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.
