Police officers linked to sh14b gold scam granted bail
While releasing them, City Hall Court Senior Principal Magistrate Nicholas Aisu noted that the applicants presented substantial sureties, who look responsible before court, thus fit to stand for them.
The Police officers in the dock at City Hall Court in Kampala, where they applied and were released on a one-million-shilling bail each. (Photo by Margret Zalwango)
_______________
The four Police officers accused of being behind the sh14b gold scam have been granted bail.
The officers were each released on bail upon paying sh1m cash. They are: Siraj Waiswa, 30, attached to VIPPU (Very Important Persons Protection Unit) and a resident of Nabweru in Wakiso district; Razak Emorut, 26, attached to the counter-terrorism unit under the VIPPU and a resident of Kabalagala police barracks; Benon Waiswa, 30, attached to the counter terrorism tactical unit and a resident of Naguru police barracks; and Ayub Kulutu, 30, attached to the counter-terrorism unit under the VIPPU and a resident of Naguru barracks.
Other accused persons released are: Moses Asiimwe, Doldly Charly Amata, Muhoya Kilyobo, Solieil Nakahosa, Dickens Junior Kagarura, Thiery Songole.
He further noted that they have furnished court with detailed records making them traceable in case the accused persons fail to attend court, including fixed places of abode.
“The applicants are hereby released on bail of sh1m cash each,” the magistrate said. He bonded their sureties at sh50m each, not cash.
The accused were represented by lawyers, Dickens Kagarura and Akram Kijjambu.
The prosecution team was represented by Mariam Akite and Mercy Yamangusho.
Prosecution alleges that the accused and others still at large between July 2025 and May 2026 conspired to obtain $4m (over sh14b) by false pretence.
The charge sheet further states that the accused and others still at large between July 2025 and May 2026 in Kololo, Kampala, with intent to defraud obtained $4m from Catillo Paredes by falsely pretending that they were going to facilitate the shipping of 300kg of gold to Dubai, whereas not.
It is further alleged that the accused and others still at large between July 2025 and May 2026 were found in possession of 190 bars and 32 kgs of nuggets suspected to be gold without a mineral dealer's license, import and export permit as required by the Mining and Minerals Act of 2022.
The offences are contrary to section 285 of the Penal Code Act, Cap. 128 and section 252(1) of the Minerals and Mining Act 2022, respectively.