Businessman remanded over Shs2.2b fertilizer fraud
A Kampala businessman has been arraigned before the Buganda Road Magistrate’s Court over an alleged fertilizer fraud involving goods worth more than UGX 2.2 billion.
The suspect, identified as Muwonge Ibrahim alias Ibra, was on Monday charged with Obtaining Goods by False Pretence, Electronic Fraud, Forgery, Uttering False Documents, and Conspiracy to Commit a Felony.
According to the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, the businessman was jointly arraigned by the unit together with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
Prosecution alleges that between February and December 2023, Muwonge and other suspects still at large used a company identified as Kureha (U) Ltd to defraud a Turkish fertilizer supplier, Iskenderun Fertilizer Inc..
Investigators say the accused convinced the Turkish company to ship 28 containers of fertilizer to Uganda. Each container reportedly contained 540 bags of fertilizer, with the total consignment valued at over UGX 2.2 billion.
It is further alleged that after receiving the shipment, Muwonge and his accomplices switched off communication with the supplier and allegedly released the fertilizer onto the Ugandan market for sale without making payment.
Court remanded Muwonge to prison until May 28, 2026, as investigations continue and authorities pursue the other suspects said to be on the run.
The case adds to a growing number of high-profile fraud and electronic crime cases currently being prosecuted by anti-corruption agencies in Uganda.
