crime 31 August 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Four Police Officers Dismissed in $4 Million Gold Fraud Scandal
Four police constables have been dismissed from the Uganda Police Force following their alleged involvement in a fraudulent gold scam amounting to $4 million. The officers are also facing criminal prosecution for their roles in the scheme. Source: https://observer.ug/news/four-police-officers-dismissed-over-4m-gold-fraud-scam
The Uganda Police Force has dismissed four of its officers over their alleged participation in a significant gold fraud operation that defrauded a Dubai-based businessman of $4 million (approximately Shs 15.6 billion). Police Constables Ayub Kurut, Emorat Raazak, Benon Waiswa, and Waiswa Siraje were brought before the Police Disciplinary Court and subsequently removed from the force.
These dismissals stem from a report filed last month by a businessman who claimed he was swindled by Moses Asiimwe and his associates, operating under the company Real Sunex Limited. The businessman alleged that the suspects used a bogus gold transaction to obtain the substantial sum.
Following the report, police initiated an intelligence operation involving both the police and the army. This operation led to the apprehension of 16 individuals believed to be part of the gold fraud syndicate in Kampala. Among the recovered items were suspected counterfeit gold, documents related to the scam, and eight vehicles allegedly used in the fraudulent activities.
According to police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke, the four dismissed officers had reportedly abandoned their official duties to provide security at an illegal refinery in Kampala for the suspects. Rusoke stated that this unauthorized redeployment constitutes a severe violation of the police code of conduct. All 16 suspects, including the four officers, are slated to face criminal proceedings.
The police have issued a warning to those involved in the precious minerals trade, urging them to conduct thorough due diligence on dealers to prevent falling victim to such scams, often motivated by the allure of quick, high profits outside regulated channels.
In a separate but related incident, three men were arrested in Entebbe for allegedly impersonating police officers in an attempt to rob a foreign investor, highlighting ongoing concerns about criminal elements exploiting official authority.
This incident echoes previous cases where police officers have been implicated in criminal activities. In January 2025, three officers were arrested for aiding the escape of a gold scam suspect, and in May 2025, four officers were remanded for allegedly robbing a businessman of gold and cash at gunpoint. These events underscore the persistent challenge for police leadership in preventing officers from engaging with or facilitating criminal networks.