The Anti-Corruption Court has remanded businessman Gilbert Tumwebaze Bafanabyo, popularly known as “Albert,” for allegedly defrauding Qatari investors of approximately Shs1.1 billion ($286,910).
Bafanabyo appeared before the court today, Friday, April 10, 2026, facing multiple counts including Obtaining Money by False Pretence, Money Laundering, and Impersonation.
The Fraudulent Scheme Exposed
According to investigations led by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, the fraud took place between July 2022 and April 2023. Bafanabyo allegedly presented himself as the Manager of Sky Link International to lure the Qatari investors into a fictitious government project.
The accused and others still at large reportedly convinced the investors to pay USD 286,910 as “performance security fees” for a non-existent Government of Uganda contract. The fake project involved the construction of six technical model schools across the following locations:
-
Wakiso
-
Kasanda
-
Pader
-
Garuga
-
Nampungwe
-
Busunju
Legal Proceedings and Charges
The prosecution stated that Bafanabyo knowingly made these false representations, aware that no such procurement arrangement existed within the government framework.
Due to the severity of the Money Laundering charges and the risk of interference with ongoing investigations to find his accomplices, Bafanabyo has been remanded until April 17, 2026, when his case will return for further mention.
The Role of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit
This arrest marks another win for the State House Anti-Corruption Unit in its crackdown on cartels targeting foreign investors. The unit has recently intensified its vigilance as Uganda seeks to protect its reputation as a safe destination for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
