The Entebbe Chief Magistrate’s Court has remanded six suspects to prison for dealing in minerals without a license, mingling minerals with intent to defraud, and smuggling minerals at Entebbe International Airport.
The six suspects, including Kananura Daniel, a businessman; Mpomba Richard, Muhwezi Benon, and Bekalaze Ismail, clearing agents at the airport; Nkahirwa Pascal, a clearing agent in Kampala; and Mujuzi John Keneddy, a cleaner at the airport, have been remanded until October 25, 2024.
This development was confirmed by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU), in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), who arrested and charged the suspects on September 30, 2024.
According to a statement released by SHACU, the suspects were found with 11 plastic boxes containing 300 metal bars claimed to be gold.
However, forensic analysis by the Directorate of Geological Survey and Mines revealed the items were other minerals and not gold intended to deceive investors and businessmen.