Inside City Lawyer Balondemu’s eight new counts of defrauding investors

In a bid to uphold integrity and combat fraudulent activities targeting foreign investors in Uganda, the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU) led by Brigadier Henry Isoke has intensified its efforts despite facing challenges from malicious actors.

Recent events have shed light on orchestrated attempts by fraudsters to undermine ongoing investigations through various means, including the dissemination of misleading information using little known online outlets, rife with baseless accusations and fabricated content, aiming to discredit the diligent work of investigative agency.

At the center of these allegations is Balondemu David, Kampala’s infamous lawyer who is under scrutiny for his involvement in multiple fraudulent schemes targeting foreign investors.

Balondemu’s nefarious activities were first brought to public attention when he and his accomplices were charged with defrauding a Korean investor of UGX 2.2 billion in a bogus gold transaction.

Subsequent investigations unveiled a pattern of deceit, with Balondemu implicated in further scams, including the fraudulent procurement of a “water plant” from an American company, KG Unlimited LLC. His attempts to evade accountability, such as the forgery of medical documents during a bail application, only serve to highlight the depths of his deception.

The web of deceit woven by Balondemu extends to his law firms, M/s Balon Advocates and Bloom Advocates, which have been instrumental in facilitating fraudulent activities.

Below we expose eight investigations in which Balondemu has defrauded investors as State House moves to close in on files ripe for prosecution and subsequent jail sentence.

1. Defrauding of a Turkish Company, Guner Kuzu Construction Limited of USD 3,806,885 (about UGX 14BN), in a purported procurement for construction of hospitals in Uganda.
2. Defrauding of Air Options Pty Ltd, a South African Company of USD 1.7M (about UGX 6.3BN), in a purported procurement for supply, installation and maintenance of air conditioners by Ministry of Local Government.
3. Defrauding of Tecmo Automation Pty Ltd, a South African Company of USD 410,520 (about UGX 1.5BN), in a purported procurement for supply of fuel and lubricants at Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development.
4. Defrauding of Marce’ Firefighting Technology Pty, a South African Company of USD 60,000 (about UGX 225M).
5. Fraudulent conversion of property comprised in Plot 20 Prince Charles Drive using a forged Minute No. KDLB.53/6.4/2022.
6. Fraudulent allocation of non-existent land purportedly comprised in LRV 4645 Folio 13, Plot 1-5, Kyambogo Link to a Kenyan Company, Babubhai Construction Limited. On 12^th October, 2023, an invoice of UGX 450,000,000 by M/s Bloom Advocates, signed by Balondemu, was issued to the company. The allocation was issued by Kampala District Land Board, which he chairs.
7. Defrauding of a Korean National, Kim Uk Hyun of USD 600,000 (about Ugx 2.2Bn) in a purported 53kgs Gold deal involving law firms, M/s Balondemu & Co. Advocates
8. Defrauding of USD 1.7M (about Ugx 6.3Bn) from Air Options Pty Ltd, a South African company involving a law firm, M/s Balon Advocates was reported to the Unit.

These fraudulent activities not only harm the financial interests of investors but also tarnish Uganda’s reputation on the global stage.

State House Anti-Corruption Unit however, remains steadfast in its commitment to rooting out corruption and holding perpetrators accountable.

Despite facing attempts at intimidation and blackmail via social media, the SH-ACU, under the directive of  the President, stands resolute in its mission.

A stern warning is issued to those who seek to misuse social platforms for illicit purposes: justice will be pursued, and offenders will face the consequences of their actions.

As Uganda strives for progress and development, the eradication of corruption stands as a paramount objective. Through unwavering determination and concerted efforts, the nation will prevail in its fight against corruption, ensuring a brighter future for all.

Source: Trumpet