Uganda’s Deputy Mufti, Muhammad Haruna Bukenya, has been ordered to appear before the Kampala City Hall Court to answer charges arising from an alleged fraudulent gold transaction involving $288,000 (about Shs1.2 billion).
Senior Grade One Magistrate Edgar Karakire issued criminal summons against Bukenya on Wednesday after the prosecution asked the court to compel him to attend the proceedings.
The case, in which businessman Muzamiru Elias Lubega is the first accused, was adjourned to November 25, 2026, for mention. Lubega is the only accused person who has so far appeared in court.
During Wednesday’s proceedings, state prosecutor Miriam Akite told the court that the prosecution was unable to provide the defence with the requested disclosures because the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had called for the case file following a complaint lodged by Bukenya.
Lubega’s lawyer had requested access to the relevant prosecution documents to prepare the defence. However, Akite said the prosecution could not provide the materials at that stage and instead asked the court to issue summons requiring Bukenya to attend.
Magistrate Karakire granted the request and directed that criminal summons be issued against the second accused.
Lubega, 53, is a businessman residing in Kasengejje, Wakiso District. He previously appeared before the court and was granted bail.
Bukenya, 55, is described in the charge sheet as Uganda’s Deputy Mufti and a resident of Kawuku in Entebbe Municipality, Wakiso District.
According to the prosecution, the two men, together with other suspects who remain at large, allegedly obtained $288,000 from Muhammad Kwaido in Kampala on August 6, 2026.
Prosecutors allege that the money was obtained under the pretext of selling Kwaido three kilogrammes of gold, which the accused allegedly claimed they had available for sale.
The suspects face charges of obtaining money by false pretence, contrary to Section 285 of the Penal Code Act, and conspiracy to commit the same offence under Section 363 of the law.
The prosecution alleges that the transaction was part of a scheme intended to defraud Kwaido of the money.
The charges remain allegations, and the accused are presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a competent court.
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