Popular businessman and TikToker Muwonge Issa, alias “Katwalo,” has been sent to Luzira Prison after denying allegations that he obtained Shs322.3 million from a businessman in a disputed gold export deal.
Muwonge was remanded on Wednesday after appearing before City Hall Court Senior Principal Magistrate Grade One Nicholas Aisu to face a charge of obtaining money by false pretence.
Prosecution alleges that Muwonge, together with other suspects, obtained US$85,300—approximately Shs322.3 million—from Mahomed Farouk after allegedly claiming that they were facilitating the export of seven kilogrammes of gold to Dubai.
The alleged transaction has now landed the high-profile TikToker in prison as the criminal case moves towards trial.
Muwonge denied the charge when it was read to him before court.
The prosecution told court that investigations into the matter had been completed and requested the magistrate to set a hearing date.
With no conviction having been entered against him, Muwonge was ordered to remain on remand at Luzira Prison until September 21, 2026, when he is expected to return to court for further proceedings.
Shs322m at the centre of the case
At the heart of the case is the alleged Shs322.3 million payment reportedly made to Muwonge and his alleged accomplices in connection with the purported gold shipment to Dubai.
Prosecutors will now be expected to present evidence showing how the money was obtained, what representations were allegedly made to Farouk and what happened to the purported gold export arrangement.
The defence, meanwhile, will have an opportunity to challenge the prosecution’s evidence as the case progresses.
Muwonge’s remand marks a dramatic turn for the businessman and TikTok personality, whose public profile has been built largely around his business activities and social media presence.
The case will now move into the trial process, where the prosecution must prove the allegations against him beyond reasonable doubt.
