The Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala has remanded three police officers attached to the Busia border post for allegedly aiding the escape of a high-profile suspect involved in a $840,000 (over 3 billion UGX) gold scam.
The officers were arraigned on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, following a joint investigation by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU), the Criminal Investigation Directorate (CID), and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
Who are the Accused Officers?
The three suspects, who were attached to Interpol and terrorism tactical units at the Busia customs office, have been identified as:
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AIP Godfrey Kali
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Sgt. Peter Owiny
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Cpl. Oscar Odul
The Charges: Abuse of Office and Conspiracy
Appearing before the Anti-Corruption Court, the trio faced three primary charges:
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Abuse of Office: Utilizing their positions to perform arbitrary acts.
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Aiding a Prisoner to Escape: Facilitating the flight of a suspect in lawful custody.
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Conspiracy to Defeat Justice: Working together to undermine legal proceedings.
The prosecution alleges that between December 22 and December 23, 2025, the officers deliberately allowed Najib Kasule to escape. Kasule had been intercepted at the Uganda-Kenya border in connection with a massive gold fraud investigation.
The $840,000 Gold Scam
The escape is a significant blow to a major cross-border investigation. The primary suspect, Najib Kasule, is accused of defrauding an American national of $840,000 (approximately UGX 3.04 billion) in a sophisticated gold scam.
SHACU noted in a statement that the officers’ actions directly interfered with the recovery of funds and the prosecution of transnational organized crime.
Court Ruling and Remand
The accused officers pleaded not guilty to the charges. However, the presiding magistrate remanded them to Luzira Prison until January 21, 2026, when the case will return to court for a mention and further hearing.
Why This Matters
This case highlights the ongoing crackdown by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit on “insider threats” within law enforcement. Gold scams remain a significant challenge for Uganda’s image among international investors, often involving complex networks of scammers and corrupt officials.
