Deputy Mufti Summoned to Court Over Alleged Shs1 Billion Gold Fraud

The Deputy Mufti of Uganda, Muhammad Haruna Bukenya, is now a wanted man by the courts, facing summons over an alleged gold scam valued at approximately Shs1 billion ($288,000). The summons was issued by Senior Magistrate Edgar Karakire at Kampala City Hall Court on Wednesday.

Bukenya is listed as the second accused in the case, with businessman Muzamiru Elias Lubega being the first. The prosecution requested the summons after noting that a complaint lodged by the Deputy Mufti himself had led the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to call for the case file, thus preventing immediate disclosure of evidence.

According to the charges, Bukenya, 55, and Lubega, 53, along with others not yet apprehended, are accused of obtaining $288,000 from Muhammad Kwaido on August 6, 2026, in Kampala. They allegedly defrauded Kwaido by falsely pretending to sell him three kilograms of gold.

Both individuals face charges of obtaining money by false pretence, a violation of Section 285 of the Penal Code Act. Additionally, they are charged with conspiracy to commit a felony, contrary to Section 363 of the Penal Code Act, for allegedly plotting to secure the funds through the fraudulent gold transaction.

The court has adjourned the matter to November 25, 2026, for mention. Lubega, a businessman residing in Wakiso District, had previously been charged and granted bail, while Bukenya resides in Entebbe Municipality, Wakiso District. It is important to note that these charges have not been proven in court, and all accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/deputy-mufti-wanted-over-alleged-shs1b-gold-scam-5640454