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EXCLUSIVE: Embattled Ministry of Energy boss Spero Byokunda cries for help over $50m Investor scam

The Head of Petroleum Quality Assurance at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, Mr Spero Byokunda (Photo/Courtesy)

Kampala, (UG): The Head of Petroleum Quality Assurance at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, Mr Spero Byokunda, who is allegedly the key suspect in the case of masterminding to fleece over USD50m from a Serbian Investor is currently carrying for help from friends and relatives.

In a WhatsApp dossier seen by DailyExpress believed to be written by him, Byokunda is seeking financial help from his associates, before warning them to keep it (the request) confidential.

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“I salute you my friend, my brother, my sister or relative all protocol observed. This message is specifically meant for you and should not be forwarded to any other person other than you” reads from the text.

“As you may be aware I am battling a nagging criminal case in court where I was acrimoniously conscripted in a case in which I did not participate in the incident of investigation but unfortunately I found myself being awkwardly charged” he adds.

According to Byokunda, he says he was not on police bond like all other suspects and he did not go to court on 24th October but his co-accused were remanded till 10th November 2023 and that is when he will also appear and either go to prison or get bail.

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He further explains that Court cases moreover criminal ones are not cheap to surmount. “My humble appeal is to seek your support in form of finances, legal advice and being surety when you are called upon” he explains. Before adding that, any contribution will be highly welcome. He then concluded by indicating the mobile numbers for financial support in the names of his first wife Mrs. Florence Byokunda.

“For ease of sending you can route it through 0772454 and 0701454 in the names of FLORENCE BYOKUNDA” the text ended.

However, it is still unclear as Byokunda cries for financial help and where they (the group) are hiding half of the first deposit that they had already got from the investor. One of our sources privy to the matter asserts that one of the suspects named, Frank Kigundu before the arrest had ordered some expensive cars are they were yet in town

Meanwhile, this publication also learnt that Byokunda has been put under pressure to appear in court on Friday 10th of this week or else face interdicted. This was after state prosecutors in this case writing to his bosses (Energy MInistry) at Amber’s house.

Court summons

Spero Byokunda left the judiciary in a state of disbelief after snubbing Court summons and instead chose to go into hiding while his accomplices appeared before City Hall Magistrate last week on Tuesday. They were remanded until this week Friday 10th when they will reappear for further mention of their case and it’s when they will either apply for bail.

Investigations

Preliminary investigations say; the seven suspects including Spero Byokunda while at Amber House in Kampala organised a meeting and forged contract documents for the supply of solar street light systems purportedly from the Ministry of Energy.

The forged documents were to be issued to a Serbian investor with the intent to defraud him USD 50M. The group was later picked and arrested by the State House Anti-Corruption of Uganda (SHACU) assisted by recorded statements though at a later stage were given police bond.

DailyExpress understands that this is not the first time Spero Byokunda is named in corruption-related allegations.

In April 2023, Spero and his colleague, Reverand Frank Tukwasibwe were ordered by the Inspectorate of Government (IGG) to refund over 70 million which they had obtained through dubious means and causing financial loss to the government (Ref: New Vision 5th April 2023, page 17).

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