Businessman Remanded Over Shs1.1 Billion Fake Government Contract Scam

KAMPALA: A businessman has been arraigned before the Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala on charges of fraud, money laundering, and impersonation in connection with a scheme that allegedly defrauded foreign investors of over Shs1.1 billion.

The State House Anti-Corruption Unit, working jointly with the Criminal Investigations Directorate and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, confirmed the arraignment of Gilbert Tumwebaze Bafanabyo, also known as Albert. He appeared before the Anti-Corruption Court to answer to multiple charges.

Prosecution alleges that between July 2022 and April 2023, in Kampala, Tumwebaze falsely presented himself as “Albert,” a manager of a company identified as Sky Link International. He is accused of orchestrating a fraudulent scheme targeting investors from Qatar.

According to investigators, the accused, together with accomplices still at large, obtained USD 286,910 (approximately Shs1.1 billion) from the investors under the pretense that the funds were required as performance security fees. The money was purportedly meant to secure a government contract for the construction of six technical model schools in Wakiso, Kasanda, Pader, Garuga, Nampungwe, and Busunju.

However, authorities say no such contract or procurement arrangement existed, and the representations made to the investors were false. Prosecutors further contend that Tumwebaze was aware that the project was fictitious.

The court remanded the accused until April 17, 2026, as investigations continue and efforts to apprehend his alleged accomplice

s intensify.