By Robert Segawa
The Police Minerals Protection Unit has recorded a sharp increase in mineral-related fraud cases, arresting a total of 56 suspects between February and August 2025.
According to Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Julius Ceaser Tusingwire, the Commandant of the Minerals Protection Unit, the arrests were made during operations targeting gold-related scams in Kampala suburbs including Kansanga, Kabalagala, Buziga, Muyenga, and Lubowa.
While addressing a press conference at Police Headquarters in Naguru, ACP Tusingwire attributed the rise in scams to the recent presidential directive banning the export of unprocessed minerals, which has led to increased underground activity among fraudsters.
Breakdown of Cases:
- February: 8 cases, 5 suspects arrested
- March: 6 cases, 4 suspects
- April: 4 cases, 8 suspects
- May: 13 cases, 21 suspects
- June: 6 cases, 7 suspects
- July: 10 cases, 10 suspects
- August (to date): 3 cases, 1 suspect
During the operations, police recovered several exhibits, including fake gold bars, processing equipment, smelters, and high-end vehicles believed to have been purchased with proceeds from the scams.
ACP Tusingwire noted that scammers have turned to fake online platforms to defraud unsuspecting gold traders. He advised all mineral dealers to obtain the necessary permits and licenses from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, even for those dealing in a single stone.
In the same briefing, David Ssebagala, Commissioner of Mines at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, announced that new regulations are being drafted to govern licensed mineral dealers and eliminate illegal miners.
Ssebagala cautioned that while some fraudsters possess legitimate licenses, they still engage in criminal activities. He urged all mineral traders to conduct thorough due diligence before engaging in any transactions to avoid falling victim to scams.
Police have also opened a dedicated complaints desk for victims and are planning further operations in the coming months.
