Six remanded over illicit gold trade at Entebbe Airport
The suspects in the dock at the Entebbe Chief Magistrate's Court on Friday. Photo | Courtesy | @AntiGraft_SH
What you need to know:
- The suspects, including businessmen and clearing agents, were identified as Kananura Daniel, Mpomba Richard, Muhwezi Benon, Nkahirwa Pascal, Mujuzi John Keneddy, and Bekalaze Ismail.
A joint operation by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, Criminal Investigations Directorate, and Directorate of Public Prosecutions has led to the arrest and charging of six suspects for illegal dealing in minerals.
According to a statement by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit released on Friday, the suspects were apprehended on September 30, 2024, following a directive from President Museveni to investigate illegal dealings at the airport.
L- R: John Kennedy Mujjuzi, Ismail Bekalaze, Daniel Kananura, Richard Mpomba, Benon Muhwezi and Pascal Nkahirwa on 11.10.24. Photo | Paul Adude
The suspects, including businessmen and clearing agents, were identified as Kananura Daniel, Mpomba Richard, Muhwezi Benon, Nkahirwa Pascal, Mujuzi John Keneddy, and Bekalaze Ismail.
Upon arrest, the suspects were found with 11 plastic boxes containing 300 metal bars they claimed were gold and intended to use the same to defraud unsuspecting persons, especially investors and businessmen. However, forensic analysis by the Directorate of Geological Survey and Mines revealed the items were other minerals, not gold.
The suspects were on October 11, arraigned at the Entebbe Chief Magistrate's Court presided by Edgar Tibayeita Tusiime, charged with dealing in minerals without a license, mingling minerals with intent to defraud, and smuggling minerals. They were remanded to Kigo prison until October 25, 2024, for further mention of their cases.
