A Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) officer and two other suspects have been arraigned before the General Court Martial over allegations of defrauding an investor of approximately UGX13 billion in a purported gold deal involving 30 kilogrammes of gold destined for Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The suspects are Maj Nicholas Ntakirwa, also known as Gen James, who is attached to the Directorate of Operations under the UPDF Land Forces; Mohammed Ali, a director at Duck Hunter Security Company Limited; and businessman Besigye Trevor.

According to the prosecution, the trio faces charges of obtaining money by false pretences and scandalous conduct. They were remanded until November 16, 2026.

The arraignment followed a joint operation involving the Anti-Corruption Unit at State House, the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).

Prosecution alleges that in September 2025, Ntakirwa, allegedly acting under the identity of Gen James and aided by Ali and Besigye, obtained USD2.4 million, approximately UGX13 billion, from Gafar Ibrahim Mohammed Elsawi, an investor associated with MAPSCO General Trading LLC.

The money was allegedly obtained on September 22, 2025, at the offices of Duck Hunter Security Company Limited in Muyenga, Makindye Division, Kampala.

The suspects allegedly represented that they were selling and exporting 30 kilogrammes of gold to Dubai, claims the prosecution says were false and intended to defraud the investor.

Investigators further allege that on September 29, 2025, the suspects obtained an additional USD120,000, equivalent to more than UGX500 million, from the same investor.

The additional payment was allegedly presented as money intended for the Commissioner General of the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), although the prosecution contends that this representation was also false.

The case also involves other suspects who are reportedly still at large.

The allegations against Ntakirwa have raised questions about the conduct expected of members of the armed forces. According to the statement announcing the prosecution, the alleged actions are inconsistent with the morality, discipline and standards of conduct required of defence forces personnel.