Police Arrest Four in Shs388.9 Million Gold Scam in Kampala

Kampala, May 21, 2026 - Police in Kampala have arrested four suspects over allegations of defrauding a South African national of USD 103,050 (approximately Shs388.9 million) in a suspected gold scam linked to a fake export transaction.

According to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire, the incident occurred on May 19, 2026, when the victim, identified as Mr Attlee Shaun Robert Lloyd, was allegedly lured into a fraudulent gold deal involving a company operating under the name Huanqui Precious Metal Trading Limited in Buziga, Makindye Division.

Investigators say the complainant was promised the sale and export of gold to Dubai, but was instead subjected to repeated payment demands allegedly covering insurance, taxes, and logistics fees.

“The complainant reportedly made payments to facilitate insurance, tax, and logistics costs. However, the promised shipment was never made, and additional demands for money raised suspicion, prompting him to report the matter to police,” Owoyesigyire said.

Following the complaint, security agencies conducted a search at the company premises, where they recovered suspected gold bars and nuggets, a motor vehicle, passports, identification documents, a precious metals analyser, and assorted paperwork believed to be linked to the operation.

Police confirmed the arrest of four suspects identified as Edson Ogwang, Ronald Safari, Joseph Karumba, and Jacob Opio, who are currently assisting with ongoing investigations.

Samples of the suspected precious metals have been submitted to the Government Analytical Laboratory in Entebbe for verification to determine their authenticity.

Authorities also said they have engaged the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development to verify the company’s registration and licensing status.