The sprawling Shs13 billion fake gold scam has taken another dramatic turn after businessman Muhammad Ali was hauled back to court on fresh criminal charges accusing him of using forged documents to secure his release on bail while facing prosecution over the multi-million-dollar fraud.
Ali was on Thursday re-arraigned before the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU), working jointly with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
He was charged with forgery and uttering false documents, offences prosecutors say were committed during his attempt to obtain bail in the principal case involving the alleged USD 3.5 million (about Shs13 billion) fake gold scam that targeted investors from Dubai.
The court remanded Ali until 31 July 2026 as investigations into the new charges continue.
Bail Under Fresh Scrutiny
According to investigators, the latest charges arise from allegations that Ali presented forged documents before court to facilitate his release on bail while he was already standing trial over one of Uganda’s biggest recent fake gold fraud cases.
The prosecution contends that the documents used in the bail process were fraudulent, leading investigators to institute a separate criminal case against him.
The development marks a significant escalation in the prosecution of the businessman, who now faces both the original fraud charges and fresh allegations relating to the administration of justice.
Background to the Shs13 Billion Gold Scam
Ali is already facing charges of theft and cheating in connection with a sophisticated gold fraud allegedly committed between September and October 2025.
According to investigators, while working as a manager at Duck Hunters Security Company, Ali and other suspects still at large allegedly orchestrated a scheme that defrauded Dubai-based investors of USD 3.5 million.
The investors had travelled to Uganda in search of legitimate gold suppliers and were reportedly introduced by Ali to several dealers.
Authorities say the investors initially purchased 10 kilograms of gold worth USD700,000 from Spanex Ltd, a transaction that allegedly helped build their confidence.
Ali later allegedly persuaded them to invest in a second and much larger deal involving the purchase of 30 kilograms of gold valued at USD2.4 million from a man presented as a military officer.
Investigators say the gold was tested at Azzura Refinery before being deposited at Duck Hunters Security Company for storage pending export to Dubai.
However, the consignment allegedly disappeared before shipment.
When the investors later returned to Uganda to retrieve their gold, investigators say they discovered they had been victims of an elaborate fraud.
Investigators Close In on Wider Network
The State House Anti-Corruption Unit says the investigation has now expanded beyond Ali.
Authorities revealed they have developed key leads on other conspirators believed to have participated in the fake gold operation.
The suspects are currently on the run, with security agencies conducting operations to track them down.
Investigators say all those implicated in the alleged fraud will be produced before court immediately after their arrest.
The latest prosecution underscores the government’s continuing crackdown on fraudulent gold syndicates that have repeatedly targeted foreign investors and damaged Uganda’s reputation as a regional gold trading hub.
If convicted, Ali could face additional penalties arising from the new forgery and uttering charges on top of the offences already pending before court in the principal fake gold scam case.
