Christopher Oscar Kato, a Ugandan national residing in Lamtara 1, Jumeirah, Dubai, has been remanded to Luzira Prison over allegations of defrauding a senior officer of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) of more than $61,900 (approximately UGX 200 million) in a failed property investment deal.
Kato appeared before the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court on Friday, where he was formally charged with one count of obtaining money by false pretenses. Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi presided over the hearing.
According to the prosecution, Kato received the funds from Colonel Fred Zakye, a UPDF defence attaché stationed in Ethiopia. Kato allegedly promised to purchase two rental units—specifically Units 204 and 205 in Lamtara 1, Dubai—on Zakye’s behalf. He also committed to managing the properties and regularly transferring the rental income.
The funds were reportedly wired to Kato’s Emirates Bank account. While the properties were allegedly acquired, the expected rental returns were not transparently accounted for.
Court records indicate that Zakye only received $32,000 from the investment in two partial installments: $20,000 in March 2023 and $12,000 in July 2023. Subsequent efforts to reach Kato were unsuccessful, prompting Zakye to file a police complaint on August 16, 2024.
Kato has denied the charges. His lawyer, Soriea Jessa, informed the court of plans to apply for bail. However, the application process was delayed due to the absence of required documents on the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECMIS), now mandatory for all bail submissions.
The magistrate ordered Kato’s remand until June 4, 2025, advising the defense team to file the necessary documentation and provide more credible sureties. He also noted that bail applications involving individuals who reside abroad are subject to heightened scrutiny.
Senior State Attorney Kyazze, representing the prosecution, requested additional time to continue investigations.
