A Ugandan businessman, Kizito Dalton Lawrence, has been brought before the KCCA Grade 1 Magistrates’ Court for his alleged role in a serious gold scam. Working together with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the State House Anti-Corruption Unit arrested and charged him with obtaining money by false pretense and conspiracy to defraud.
According to the prosecution, between February and June 2024, Kizito and others who are still on the run tricked an American investor into believing they could supply him with 20 kilograms of pure gold. They convinced him to part with a large sum of money — USD 105,000 — under the false promise that he would receive the gold. However, this promise turned out to be a complete lie, and the investor never received any gold.
The accused has now been remanded to prison and will remain in custody until his next court appearance on July 9, 2025. This case has stirred public interest, especially as it highlights the dangers of fake gold deals, which have become a common trick used to defraud foreign investors in Uganda and other parts of Africa.
Authorities have warned the public to be careful and to verify any investment opportunities, especially those involving high-value commodities like gold. Investigations are ongoing, and efforts are being made to track down the other suspects involved in the scam. The government has reassured the public and international investors that such criminal behavior will not be tolerated and that justice will be served.
