Kampala, Uganda: The Anti-Corruption Court has remanded a Kampala-based businessman to Luzira Prison over a sophisticated multibillion shillings fraud scheme involving a fake government contract for the construction of technical schools in the country.
Gilbert Tumwebaze Bafanabyo, also known as Albert, was on Friday presented before Grade One Magistrate Esther Asiimwe, who read out charges of obtaining money by false pretences, money laundering, and personation.
Gilbert Tumwebaze Bafanabyo, also known as Albert, was on Friday arraigned before the Anti-Corruption Court on charges of obtaining money by false pretence, money laundering, and impersonation.
The prosecution, led by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), told court that Tumwebaze orchestrated an elaborate scam targeting investors from Qatar.
According to investigators, between July 2022 and April 2023, Tumwebaze allegedly posed as a manager of a fictitious company, Sky Link International, and falsely claimed to be facilitating a government-backed infrastructure project.
He reportedly convinced the investors that the Government of Uganda had awarded a contract for the construction of six technical model schools in Wakiso, Kasanda, Pader, Garuga, Nampungwe, and Busunju.
To make the deal appear legitimate, he allegedly demanded “performance security fees” from the investors—funds supposedly required to secure the contract.
Court heard that the accused, together with accomplices still at large, fraudulently obtained USD 286,910 (approximately Shs1.1 billion) under these false pretences.
Prosecutors stated that no such government contract or procurement process existed, and that the accused knew the representations were false.
Tumwebaze has since been remanded to Luzira Maximum Prison until April 17, 2026, as investigations continue, particularly to trace other suspects believed to be part of the scheme.
Authorities say the case is part of a broader crackdown on high-level fraud targeting international investors through fake government-linked projects.
Uganda has in recent years seen a rise in fraud schemes involving individuals impersonating government officials or agents to solicit money from unsuspecting investors, both local and foreign.
Such scams often exploit the credibility of government programmes, particularly in infrastructure, energy, and education sectors, by presenting forged documents, fake procurement processes, and non-existent contracts.
Security agencies have repeatedly warned investors to verify all government-related deals through official channels, including the Ministry of Finance and relevant procurement authorities, before committing funds.
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