KAMPALA, UGANDA — Police have recovered over UGX 900 million (approximately $240,000 USD) in connection with a string of gold scam operations targeting unsuspecting investors across Uganda. The money was retrieved from 56 suspects over a seven-month investigation, following 50 reported cases since January, according to the Police Mineral Protection Unit (PMPU).
Speaking during a press briefing in Kampala, Assistant Commissioner of Police Ceaser Tusingwire said several illegal gold refineries have been dismantled and numerous scam bases—often operating out of Airbnb apartments and makeshift offices—have been shut down.
“These operations have led to arrests, prosecutions, and the recovery of assets including cash and vehicles,” Tusingwire stated. He added that crimes related to illegal mining, smuggling of minerals such as gold, tin, and iron ore remain widespread and pose a growing challenge.
The PMPU also revealed that 10 of the 50 reported cases involved cybercrime, with fraudsters luring investors through fake online platforms posing as legitimate gold trading companies. These sophisticated scams often involve well-organized networks, including foreign nationals, unlicensed accountants, and fraudulent company documents.
Col. Edith Nakalema, head of the State House Investors Protection Unit, urged both local and international investors to remain vigilant and report any suspicious dealings. She advised using the State House Investors Protection Portal to verify companies before entering any agreements.
Investigators noted that some schemes take months to execute, with fraudsters going as far as helping victims obtain forged licenses and documents from government agencies like the Uganda Revenue Authority and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development to give the illusion of legitimacy.
One investigator, who requested anonymity, said that in some cases, victims were hesitant to report the fraud due to their own involvement in questionable transactions, such as money laundering.
Edgar Ssebagala, an inspector from the Ministry of Energy, reminded the public that all individuals and businesses dealing in minerals must comply with Uganda’s mining laws, warning that the ministry reserves the right to revoke licenses of those found guilty of violations.
Authorities continue to urge vigilance and legal compliance as the government intensifies its crackdown on mineral-related fraud.