GOLD DEAL GONE SOUR! UPDF’s Maj Nicholas Ntakirwa, Duck Hunter Boss Ali, Businessman Besigye Trevor Court-Martialled Over Shs13bn Scam Shocker
The three suspects: Maj Nicholas Ntakirwa, Mohammed Ali and Besigye Trevor
KAMPALA: A serving UPDF major, a security company director and a businessman have been dragged before the General Court Martial over allegations that they fleeced a foreign investor of about Shs13bn in a fake gold deal.
The three suspects — Maj Nicholas Ntakirwa, Mohammed Ali and Besigye Trevor — were arraigned earlier today following investigations by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, working alongside the Police Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
They face charges of obtaining money by false pretences and scandalous conduct.
The suspects have been remanded until November 16, 2026.
According to the prosecution, the alleged scam unfolded in September 2025 when the trio reportedly presented a purported gold export deal to Gafar Ibrahim Mohammed Elsawi, an investor associated with MAPSCO General Trading LLC.
Investigators allege that Maj Ntakirwa, a military officer attached to the Directorate of Operations under the UPDF Land Forces, presented himself as “Gen James” and, together with Ali and Besigye, allegedly convinced the investor to part with millions of dollars for a consignment of gold that was purportedly destined for Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
SHS13BN GOLD DEAL
The prosecution alleges that on September 22, 2025, the suspects obtained US$2.4 million, equivalent to approximately Shs13bn, from the investor at the offices of Duck Hunter Security Company Limited in Muyenga, Makindye Division, Kampala.
The money was allegedly paid for 30 kilogrammes of gold that the suspects reportedly claimed they would sell and export to Dubai.
However, the prosecution alleges that the claims were false and that the accused obtained the money with intent to defraud the investor.
The allegations have placed the spotlight on the use of military titles, private security business premises and purported gold export arrangements in high-value commercial transactions.
MORE MONEY ALLEGEDLY SOUGHT
The prosecution further alleges that on September 29, 2025, the suspects obtained an additional US$120,000, worth more than Shs500m, from the same investor.
According to the charge allegations, the money was purportedly intended for payment to the Commissioner General of the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), yet it was allegedly not meant for that purpose.
The additional payment came just a week after the alleged US$2.4m transaction, raising further questions about the circumstances under which the investor was allegedly persuaded to release the money.
The prosecution also alleges that other individuals were involved in the scheme but remain at large.
MILITARY CONDUCT IN SPOTLIGHT
Maj Ntakirwa, identified by service number RO/10262, is a serving UPDF officer attached to the Directorate of Operations under the Land Forces.
The prosecution alleges that his conduct, if established, would run contrary to the morality, order and expectations set out in the Code of Conduct for the Defence Forces.
Ali is described as a director of Duck Hunter Security Company Limited, while Besigye Trevor is identified as a businessman.
The case now puts the allegations before the General Court Martial, where the accused will have the opportunity to answer the charges.
The three suspects remain accused persons, and the allegations against them have yet to be proved in court.
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