Coltan suspect charged

By Hillary KiiryaA Geologist with Butorogo Mining Company who allegedly robbed a trailer carrying Coltan ore valued at sh300m was on Friday charged with robbery. The mineral belonged to the Germany based Masingiro Company.Coltan is used in the manufacture of satellites and mobile phones. Sam Kabali, 48, of Lungujja, allegedly robbed the ore from a Congolese businessman at Katende in Mpigi district.He appeared before the Buganda Road Court Grade One Magistrate Sylvia Namubiru. Kabali denied the charges and was granted a cash bail of sh1.5m.Prosecution alleged that on January 23 at Katende in Mpigi, Kabali robbed Coltan ore valued at sh300m. It is alleged that on February 16 at Lungujja, Kabali received 15 tones of Coltan ore worth sh200m. Kabali is also charged with receiving stolen property.