Kampala, Uganda — A Kampala-based businessman has been arraigned before the Anti-Corruption Court over his alleged role in a sophisticated fraud scheme involving more than Shs 1.1 billion, which prosecutors say was obtained under false claims of a government-backed project.
The suspect, identified as Gilbert Tumwebaze Bafanabyo, also known as Albert, was jointly charged by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, the Criminal Investigations Directorate, and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
He faces multiple charges, including obtaining money by false pretence, money laundering, and impersonation.
According to the prosecution, between July 2022 and April 2023, Tumwebaze allegedly posed as a manager at a company identified as Sky Link International, using the alias “Albert” to gain the trust of foreign investors, particularly from Qatar.
It is alleged that he, together with accomplices still at large, orchestrated a scheme to defraud the investors of USD 286,910 (approximately Shs 1.1 billion).
The money was reportedly solicited as “performance security fees” for a purported government contract to construct six technical model schools across districts including Wakiso, Kasanda, Pader, Garuga, Nampungwe, and Busunju.
However, investigators say no such contract existed under the Government of Uganda, and the claims made to the investors were entirely fabricated. Prosecutors contend that the accused was fully aware that the project was fictitious at the time he solicited the funds.
Tumwebaze appeared before the Anti-Corruption Court, where he was formally charged and remanded. He is expected to return to court on April 17, 2026, as investigations continue and efforts to apprehend his alleged accomplices intensify.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to cracking down on high-level fraud and protecting both local and international investors from scams disguised as government-linked projects.
