A Ugandan businessman identified as Muwonge Ibrahim, also known as Ibra, has been arraigned in court over allegations of involvement in a major fertilizer fraud case valued at more than UGX 2.2 billion. He was presented before the Buganda Road Magistrate’s Court following investigations into claims of deception involving a foreign company.
The prosecution alleges that Muwonge, together with others who are still at large, used a company called Kureha (U) Ltd to carry out the alleged scheme. It is said that between February and December 2023, the group misled a Turkish company, Iskenderun Fertilizer Inc, into supplying a large shipment of fertilizer to Uganda under false pretences.
According to the case details presented in court, the Turkish firm reportedly sent 28 containers of fertilizer, with each container holding 540 bags. The total value of the consignment is estimated at over UGX 2.2 billion, making it one of the significant commercial fraud cases under investigation.
Authorities claim that once the shipment arrived in Uganda, the suspects allegedly cut off all communication with the foreign supplier. Instead of completing the intended business transaction, the fertilizers were reportedly diverted and placed on the local market for sale.
The case was jointly handled by the Anti-Corruption Unit at State House, the Criminal Investigations Directorate, and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, who worked together to bring the accused before court. Officials say the coordination was aimed at ensuring accountability in high-value commercial dealings involving foreign partners.
Muwonge faces multiple charges including obtaining goods by false pretence, electronic fraud, forgery, uttering false documents, and conspiracy to commit a felony. These charges reflect the seriousness of the alleged offences and the use of both documentation and digital communication in the suspected fraud.
During the court session, the accused was remanded until 28th May 2026 as investigations continue. Authorities also confirmed that efforts are ongoing to trace and arrest other suspects believed to have played a role in the alleged scheme.
The case has attracted attention due to the scale of the alleged fraud and the involvement of an international supplier. It also highlights growing concerns over commercial scams affecting cross-border trade and the need for stricter oversight in business transactions involving large shipments and foreign investors.
