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Kasenge Martin, also known as Tumusiime Denis, a businessman, and Kaweesa Ronald, a painter, face charges of electronic fraud, obtaining money by false pretence, and conspiracy to commit a felony.

The accused are linked to a broader case involving the alleged defrauding of UGX 2.2 billion from American company KG Unlimited LLC.

They join other suspects, including Kampala District Land Board Chairperson Balondemu David, Mkwe Eric, and Ibona Joseph, who were previously charged in connection with the same scheme.

Investigations reveal that between November 2022 and April 2023, the suspects allegedly deceived investors by falsely claiming to award them a contract for the procurement and supply of a water plant under the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries.

The funds were reportedly received by Kaweesa Ronald through M/s Bloom Advocates, acting on behalf of the accused.

The court has remanded the suspects until February 26, 2025, as investigations continue.

For updates, follow @AntiGraft_SH, @CID1_UG, and @ODPPUGANDA on social media.

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Balondemu is also under scrutiny in reinstated charges following investigations by the Brig Henry Isoke led State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU) regarding gold scams and other alleged sham transactions.

State owned newspaper, New Vision quoting police sources reported on Monday Balondemu was arrested soon after landing at Entebe International Airport as he returned from Dubai on Friday.

In SH-ACU’s investigations, it is alleged Balondemu, through his law firms M/s Balon Advocates and Bloom Advocates, is implicated in several cases of alleged fraud. One prominent case involves the accused defrauding Guner Kuzu Construction Limited, a Turkish Company, of a substantial amount totaling USD 3,806,885 (approximately UGX 14 billion). This deceit purportedly occurred in connection with a supposed procurement deal for the construction of hospitals in Uganda.

Additionally, Balondemu is under investigation for allegedly swindling Air Options Pty Ltd, a South African Company, of USD 1.7 million (equivalent to UGX 6.3 billion) in relation to a procurement contract for the supply, installation, and maintenance of air conditioning systems by the Ministry of Local Government. Another case involves the fraudulent acquisition of funds from Tecmo Automation Pty Ltd, a South African Company, amounting to USD 410,520 (about UGX 1.5 billion) for the purported supply of fuel and lubricants to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development.

Furthermore, Balondemu is accused of deceiving Marce’ Firefighting Technology Pty, another South African Company, of USD 60,000 (approximately UGX 225 million). Investigators are also delving into allegations of fraudulent conversion of property linked to Plot 20 Prince Charles Drive, utilizing a forged Minute No. KDLB.53/6.4/2022.

Moreover, Balondemu faces accusations of falsely allocating non-existent land, purportedly encompassed in LRV 4645 Folio 13, Plot 1-5, Kyambogo Link, to Babubhai Construction Limited, a Kenyan Company. Notably, on 12th October 2023, an invoice totaling UGX 450 million from M/s Bloom Advocates, signed by Balondemu, was reportedly issued to the company. This allocation was sanctioned by the Kampala District Land Board, over which he presides.

Court had dropped the charges but SH-ACU petitioned the DPP who reinstated them.

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The operation, which took place on 30th September 2024, involved a collaborative effort between SHACU, the Criminal Investigation Directorate (CID), and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). The team targeted individuals involved in the illegal trade of minerals, particularly gold, at the airport.

Among the arrested suspects are prominent figures such as Kananura Daniel, a businessman, Mpomba Richard and Muhwezi Benon, both clearing agents at Entebbe International Airport, Nkahirwa Pascal, a clearing agent in Kampala, Mujuzi John Keneddy, a cleaner at the airport, and Bekalaze Ismail, another clearing agent at the airport.

Authorities discovered the suspects in possession of 11 plastic boxes containing 300 metal bars that they claimed to be gold. However, a forensic analysis conducted by minerals experts from the Directorate of Geological Survey and Mines revealed that the items were not gold, but other minerals disguised as the precious metal.

The suspects have been charged at the Entebbe Chief Magistrate’s Court with multiple offenses, including dealing in minerals without a license, mingling minerals with intent to defraud, and smuggling minerals. They are currently remanded until the 25th of October 2024.

This successful operation serves as a significant blow to those attempting to deceive unsuspecting individuals, especially investors and businessmen, through fraudulent mineral dealings. The swift actions taken by SH-ACU and other agencies demonstrate a commitment to upholding the rule of law and combating illicit activities in the country.

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