The Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court has remanded 11 suspects to Luzira Prison over allegations of defrauding a businessman of more than USD 2.5 million (approximately Shs11 billion) in a purported industrial park investment scheme.
The accused are Peter Lubwama, Henry Ochown alias Malong Tong, Pascal Owori alias Majong Steven, Hassan Mohammed Abdallah, Doreen Nabiimara, Sabano Phiro Moureen, Frank Kamya, Willy Sserunjogi, Samuel Ssempala, Juma Okech, and Richard Kanakulya.
According to the prosecution, between May 2023 and July 2024, the suspects, together with others still at large, allegedly obtained money from businessman Levy Lawrence Omulen by falsely claiming they were jointly investing in the development of an industrial park in Namawojjolo, Mukono District.
Court records indicate that the complainant allegedly lost more than USD 2.568 million through a series of cash payments, bank deposits, and mobile money transactions conducted in Kampala, Busia, Mbale, and Pallisa districts.
The suspects face multiple charges, including conspiracy to defraud, receiving stolen property, uttering counterfeit currency notes, possession of forged currency notes, and money laundering.
Prosecutors further allege that part of the suspected proceeds was used to acquire land, motor vehicles, and other assets, which were later transferred to various individuals in an alleged attempt to conceal their origin.
The accused appeared before Chief Magistrate Ritah Neumbe Kidasa but were not allowed to enter pleas because some of the offences are capital in nature and fall under the jurisdiction of the High Court.
Chief Magistrate Kidasa remanded the suspects to Luzira Prison until July 9, 2026, to allow police to complete investigations and pursue additional suspects who remain at large.
During the court session, the accused denied the allegations and claimed that the complainant was involved in a counterfeit currency racket.
However, those claims have not been independently verified and remain untested before the court.
Investigations into the matter are ongoing.
By Edith Namwanje
16th June 2026
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