A 64-year-old Canadian national has been remanded to Luzira Prison by the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Kampala over allegations of obtaining $1.5 million (about Shs5.56 billion) by false pretences and illegal mineral dealing.
The accused, Michel Faille-a consultant residing at Mestil Hotel in Nsambya, Kampala-on Friday appeared before Chief Magistrate Ritah Neumbe Kidasa and denied the charges leveled against him.
According to the charge sheet, Faille, alongside others still at large, allegedly obtained the money from Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur between July and October 2025 at Acacia Mall in Kamwokya, Kampala. Prosecutors contend that the suspects falsely claimed they would facilitate the shipment of 16 tonnes of gold to Dubai, a transaction that never materialized.
In the second count, the prosecution alleges that during the same period, Faille and his accomplices were found in possession of 740 kilograms of suspected gold nuggets in Kololo, Kampala, without a valid mineral dealer’s licence-a violation of the Mining and Minerals Act, 2022.
State Prosecutor Ms. Grace Amy Namuganza informed the court that police inquiries into the matter are still incomplete.
“Investigations are still ongoing,” Ms. Namuganza told the court as she requested an adjournment to allow detectives time to conclude their work.
Chief Magistrate Neumbe granted the state’s request and remanded Faille until August 12, 2026, when the matter will return to court for mention and an update on the progress of investigations.
“You are hereby remanded until August 12 for the mention of your case,” Ms. Neumbe ruled.
Prosecution added that security agencies are actively hunting for other suspects linked to the scheme who remain at large.
The development highlights Uganda’s ongoing crackdown on fraudulent gold transactions-a sector that has faced heightened scrutiny from law enforcement following a surge in fake export deals targeting foreign and local investors.