Big Story: Four Police Officers In Boiling Soup Over Role In Shs15bn Fake Gold Scam

By Our Reporter

Four police officers face dismissal or discharge from the Uganda Police Force after being found guilty of abandoning their official duties and allegedly providing security to suspects linked to a $4 million (about Shs15 billion) fake gold scam targeting a Dubai businessman.

The officers are Police Constables Ayubu Kulutu, Razak Emorut, Benon Waiswa and Siraj Waiswa.

According to Police spokesperson ACP Kituuma Rusoke, the officers left their designated duty stations without authorisation and deployed themselves to guard suspects at an illegal gold refinery where the alleged fraud was being orchestrated.

The case dates back to July 2025, when a Dubai-based businessman reported to authorities that Moses Asiimwe and his alleged accomplices had defrauded him of $4 million in a fake gold transaction.

The suspects allegedly operated under a company known as Real Sunnex Ltd.

Following investigations, security agencies reportedly established that the group was planning to obtain another $4 million from the same businessman through a similar fraudulent gold deal.

Security teams subsequently mounted an operation and arrested 16 suspects, including Asiimwe.

Those arrested included Rogers Mibenge, Edward Kiwanuka, Geofrey Kajubi, Thiery Songole, Bright Ajambo, Glody Mata Mayuku, Soleina Nakahosa, William Masaba, Joseph Walusimbi, Anitah Ampurire, Patrick Amani, Christian Mugoya, Dicken Kagarura, Grace Leta and Taboma Mbasa.

During the operation, security personnel also recovered suspected fake gold, documents and eight vehicles believed to have been used in the alleged operation.

As investigations progressed, police established that the four officers had allegedly abandoned their assigned responsibilities and deployed themselves at the illegal refinery.

According to police, instead of performing their official duties, the officers provided security to individuals suspected of orchestrating the fraudulent gold transactions.

Their conduct was subsequently referred to the Police Disciplinary Court for investigation and disciplinary proceedings.

The court tried and convicted all four officers on August 29, 2026.

Following their conviction, the disciplinary court recommended dismissal for PC Ayubu Kulutu and PC Benon Waiswa, while recommending discharge from the force for PC Siraj Waiswa and PC Razak Emorut.

The recommendations are subject to the applicable disciplinary procedures within the police force.

Rusoke said the four officers are also facing potential criminal prosecution alongside 12 other suspects arrested during the operation.

Investigations into the wider alleged syndicate are continuing, with authorities working to establish the full extent of the operation and trace the money allegedly lost in the fraudulent transactions.

“We reassure the public of our unwavering commitment to fighting any form of misconduct within our ranks,” Rusoke said.

The police spokesperson also cautioned members of the public involved in gold and other precious-mineral transactions to conduct thorough due diligence before committing their money.

He urged prospective buyers and investors to verify the legitimacy of dealers, companies and gold refineries to avoid falling victim to fraudsters operating under the guise of legitimate mineral businesses.

The case remains under investigation as authorities pursue the remaining aspects of the alleged gold fraud syndicate.