A Kampala-based businessman has been arraigned before the Anti-Corruption Court over an alleged fraudulent scheme in which he is accused of defrauding foreign investors of more than Shs1.1 billion through a fictitious government contract.
The suspect, identified as Gilbert Tumwebaze Bafanabyo, also known as Albert, was on Friday presented in court following a joint operation by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
Prosecution alleges that between July 2022 and April 2023, Tumwebaze orchestrated an elaborate scam targeting investors from Qatar. He reportedly posed as “Albert,” a manager at a company identified as Sky Link International, and convinced the investors that he had secured a lucrative government contract.
According to the charge sheet, Tumwebaze falsely claimed that the Government of Uganda had awarded a contract for the construction of six technical model schools in various districts, including Wakiso, Kasanda, Pader, Garuga, Nampungwe, and Busunju.
He allegedly demanded funds from the investors under the pretext that the money was required as performance security fees to facilitate the execution of the project.
Investigators say the victims transferred a total of USD 286,910 (approximately Shs1.1 billion), believing the project was legitimate and backed by government processes.
However, authorities later established that no such contract existed and that the claims made by the accused were entirely false. It is further alleged that Tumwebaze was fully aware that there was no procurement arrangement or government project matching his representations.
The businessman now faces multiple charges, including obtaining money by false pretence, money laundering, and impersonation.
Prosecution told court that Tumwebaze worked with accomplices who are still at large, suggesting that the alleged fraud may have been part of a wider syndicate targeting unsuspecting investors.
The Anti-Corruption Court remanded Tumwebaze until April 17, 2026, as investigations continue and efforts to apprehend his alleged accomplices intensify.
Authorities have since warned the public, particularly foreign investors, to exercise due diligence and verify the authenticity of government contracts through official channels before committing funds.
The case underscores growing concerns about sophisticated fraud schemes exploiting the credibility of government institutions to lure victims into non-existent investment opportunities.
