The Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala has remanded two men to Luzira Prison over a complex fraud and money laundering scheme in which they are accused of obtaining more than USD 257,000 (about 970 million Shillings) from foreign companies.
The suspects, Godfrey Ssekidde Lubowa, a 63-year-old businessman from Mpala-Katabi in Wakiso District, and Joseph Ibona, 34, an unemployed resident of Namungoona-Lubya in Lubaga Division, appeared on Tuesday before Grade One Magistrate Esther Asiimwe. The magistrate declined to take their plea, citing a lack of jurisdiction, as the charge sheet includes money laundering offences that can only be tried by the High Court.
The duo was presented in court on a production warrant, having already been on remand at Luzira Prison on separate but similar charges before Buganda Road Court.
According to the prosecution, led by State Attorneys Viola Tusingwire and Paul Kato, the offences were committed between June 2022 and July 2023 in Kampala and involved a coordinated scheme targeting two foreign firms: Etosha Defensive Systems Pty Ltd and Penda Enterprises CC.
Court records indicate that the suspects first targeted Etosha Defensive Systems in 2022. They allegedly obtained a series of payments: USD 11,754 on September 13, USD 18,490 on October 19, another USD 18,490 on November 2, and USD 49,952.50 on November 17, by falsely claiming the funds were required as fees to register a local company to secure a government contract from the Office of the President to supply military equipment. The company is said to have lost a total of USD 98,686.
The alleged scheme continued in 2023, this time targeting Penda Enterprises. Prosecutors say the accused obtained USD 19,990 on May 11, followed by USD 99,987.50 on May 31. On June 22, they allegedly received two additional payments of USD 345 and USD 40,887.50. These funds were reportedly solicited under the pretext of bid security requirements for the same purported government contract, bringing the company’s total loss to USD 161,210.
All the funds were allegedly deposited into an account held in the name of M/S Bloom Advocates at Stanbic Bank, Garden City branch. Prosecutors further allege that on June 22, 2023, the accused facilitated the transfer of USD 257,896.50, suspected proceeds of crime, through the same account in an effort to conceal its origin.
Investigators also state that in April 2023, the suspects presented a fake contract to a complainant, Jeremia Pendapala Shikongo, purporting it had been issued by the Office of the President for the supply of military uniforms and related equipment.
Additionally, they are accused of forging letters dated June 6 and June 15, 2023, falsely attributed to Bank of Uganda Governor Michael Atingi-Ego, allegedly seeking presidential clearance to transfer USD 153 million to legitimise the deal.
Ibona faces an additional charge of forging a company resolution in July 2022 to fraudulently open and operate the Bloom Advocates account as a sole signatory. Ssekidde, on the other hand, is charged with impersonation, accused of presenting himself as a General in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces during the alleged fraud. The two are jointly charged with conspiracy to defraud the companies.
Magistrate Asiimwe remanded the accused until May 19, 2026, as investigations continue and committal proceedings are prepared for transfer of the case to the High Court.
Ibona is no stranger to fraud-related charges. In March 2026, he was among several suspects, including Charles Mulyansaka, also known as Dr Dickens Muo, Peter Watum, and Drake Twebaze, alias Dr John Karuhanga, charged in connection with a separate scheme involving a purported $4.95 million deal to supply AdBlue, a chemical used to reduce vehicle emissions.
The alleged transaction was linked to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development and the Ministry of Works and Transport. Prosecutors say the group also attempted to obtain USD 50,000 from an investor under the false pretext of registering a company, TMA Africa Proprietary Limited, in Uganda.
In another case dating back to February 2025, Ibona and his co-accused, including former Kampala District Land Board chairperson David Balondemu, were implicated in a scheme to defraud an American firm, KG Unlimited LLC, of 2.2 billion Shillings.
Other suspects in that case include Martin Kasenge, also known as Denis Tumusiime, and Ronald Kaweesa, alias Dr Alfred Musinguzi. The group was charged before Grade One Magistrate Dan Mwesiga with multiple counts of electronic fraud, obtaining money by false pretences, and conspiracy to commit a felony.
Prosecution alleges that between November 2022 and April 2024, the group used fraudulent digital communications under the name “African Natural Cannabis/Marijuana” to deceive investors into believing they were securing a government contract for the supply of a water plant through the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries.
Investigators say the suspects obtained USD 553,500 (about 2.2 billion Shillings) from KG Unlimited LLC through the same Bloom Advocates account at Stanbic Bank, falsely claiming the funds were required for company registration and pre-qualification in a government procurement process. Authorities say investigations are ongoing, with more suspects still at large-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
