KAMPALA, Uganda (UGNEWSLINE) — A Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) officer and two other men have been charged before the General Court Martial over allegations that they defrauded a foreign investor of about Shs13 billion in a purported gold deal.
The suspects are Major Nicholas Ntakirwa, also known as Gen James, a UPDF officer attached to the Directorate of Operations under the Land Forces; Mohammed Ali, a director at Duck Hunter Security Company Limited; and businessman Trevor Besigye.
The three were arraigned earlier today by the Anti-Corruption Unit of State House, working with the Criminal Investigations Directorate and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
They face charges of obtaining money by false pretences and scandalous conduct. They were remanded until November 16, 2026.
Prosecution alleges that in September 2025, the suspects, together with other individuals still at large, falsely represented themselves as having 30 kilogrammes of gold for sale and export to Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
According to the allegations, the suspects obtained 2.4 million US dollars, equivalent to approximately Shs13 billion, from Gafar Ibrahim Mohammed Elsawi, an investor associated with MAPSCO General Trading LLC.
The money was allegedly obtained on September 22, 2025, at the offices of Duck Hunter Security Company Limited in Muyenga, Makindye Division, Kampala.
Prosecution further alleges that on September 29, 2025, the suspects obtained an additional 120,000 US dollars, worth more than Shs500 million, from the investor.
The additional payment was allegedly obtained under the pretext that the money would be paid to the Commissioner General of the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), whereas it was not intended for that purpose.
The prosecution contends that the representations about the gold and the proposed export transaction were false and made with the intention of defrauding the investor.
Ntakirwa also faces allegations relating to conduct considered contrary to the morality, order and expectations of the UPDF Code of Conduct for the Defence Forces.
The case comes amid efforts by anti-corruption agencies to investigate alleged financial crimes and hold suspected offenders accountable.
The charges remain allegations, and the accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.
