In a major breakthrough against financial fraud, Ugandan anti-corruption officials have stopped a nearly $5 million scam that was targeting a Turkish investor. In a press briefing earlier today, Mr. Israel Ochwo, the Deputy Head of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU), revealed that the scheme involved fake documents and false claims of a government contract under the Ministry of Energy.
The victim of the scam was Mr. Furkan Gumran, a Turkish businessman and representative of SIRUS BLUE CHEMICAL MANUFACTURING CO. LTD. The fraudsters tried to trick him into paying USD 4,952,000 for a fake supply contract of AD BLUE, a chemical used to reduce emissions in vehicle engines.
The people involved in the fake deal claimed to hold high-level positions, including:
- Dr. Mulyansaka Charles – Alleged Chairman of a Special Contracts Committee
- Mwesigwa Moses – Alleged Director of Procurement
- Seruma Moses – Claimed Communication/IT Specialist
- Watum Peter – Claimed to be Secretary
However, thanks to Mr. Gumran’s caution and decision to seek verification from the proper authorities, the scam was exposed before any money was lost. Working closely with SH-ACU, Mr. Gumran helped set up a controlled meeting with the suspects, leading to their arrest at AHA Towers in Kampala.
Mr. Ochwo praised Mr. Gumran for his wise decision and trust in Uganda’s institutions, calling it a great example for other investors. He urged all foreign businesses approached with government contract offers to verify such deals with SH-ACU or Shield Investors Protection Unit (SH-IPU) to avoid falling victim to fraud.
In his final remarks, Mr. Ochwo called on the public to help locate a fugitive named Ssekidde Lubowa Godfrey, who also goes by the alias “Maj Gen. Sam Kiwanuka.” He is wanted for defrauding Sidari Limited of Kenya of USD 197,670 using forged documents from the Office of the President and Bank of Uganda.
This case highlights the importance of staying alert, verifying information, and reporting suspicious activities. SH-ACU continues to work hard to protect investors and ensure Uganda remains a safe and trustworthy place to do business.
