Published on 28/07/2025
Four individuals have been charged and remanded for allegedly attempting to defraud a Turkish investor of nearly USD 5 million in a fake government procurement scheme involving the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development.
The suspects were intercepted on July 22, 2025, in a joint operation by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, the Criminal Investigations Directorate and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. They appeared today before the Buganda Road Chief Magistrates Court.
According to investigators, the group attempted to swindle Mr. Furkan Gumran, a Turkish national and representative of SIRUS BLUE CHEMICAL MANUFACTURING CO., LTD., by posing as officials from a fictitious “Special Contracts Committee” allegedly operating under the Office of the President. The con was centered around the purported procurement of AD BLUE Solution—a chemical used to reduce carbon emissions in automotive engines—for the Ministry of Energy, valued at USD 4.95 million.
The suspects identified themselves as:
- Dr. Mulyansaka Charles – Chairman, Special Contracts Committee
- Mwesigwa Moses – Director of Procurement
- Seruma Moses – Communication/IT Specialist
- Watum Peter – Secretary
The group reportedly used forged documents bearing fake stamps, purportedly from the Office of the President, to legitimize their scheme and mislead the investor into advancing payment for the non-existent transaction.
They now face multiple charges, including forgery, uttering false documents, attempting to commit a felony, and electronic fraud. The court has remanded all four suspects until August 11, 2025, as investigations continue.
Authorities say more suspects are still at large and have vowed to intensify the crackdown on fraudulent individuals who exploit Uganda’s public institutions to defraud investors.
The State House Anti-Corruption Unit reiterated its commitment to ensuring the country remains a safe and credible destination for foreign investment, warning that fraudsters will be pursued and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
