Six Ugandans remanded over Shs12.6b Equity Bank fraud across Kigali, Kampala
Investigation police crime scene do not cross yellow tape.
By Skika Reporter
Six Ugandans accused of masterminding a cross-border electronic fraud scheme involving more than Rwf 4.9 billion (approximately Shs12.65 billion) have been charged and remanded to prison as investigations continue.
The suspects appeared on Monday before the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court in Kampala, where Chief Magistrate Ritah Neumbe Kidasa adjourned the case to allow the State to complete investigations and verify bail applications.
They face charges of electronic fraud contrary to Section 18 (1) and (2) of the Computer Misuse Act.
The accused include businessman Solomon Mugisha, also known as Nelson; Enock Mpanga Kazige; Benedicto Kateraga; Faruk Kiyimba; Gerard Oketch, a support engineer at Medix Ltd; and Katamba Isma, an Uber driver and businessman.
Prosecution, led by Grace Amy, told the court that inquiries into the matter were still ongoing and requested more time before proceedings could advance.
“Inquiries into the matter are still ongoing,” she said, while also asking the court for time to verify sureties presented by the defence.
Defence lawyers indicated they had instructions to apply for bail for the accused. However, the State requested to be formally served with the applications, particularly in relation to some of the suspects, before responding.
During the session, Kateraga presented two sureties—his uncle David Kasaga and friend Ivan Sebuliba—to support his bail application. His lawyers urged the court to grant bail, arguing that the offence is bailable and that the sureties were substantial.
The court did not immediately rule on the request, with Magistrate Kidasa directing that more time be given for verification of documents and proper filing.
“The matter is adjourned to April 13. Other suspects should upload their bail documents on ECCMIS,” she ruled.
According to the charge sheet, the accused, along with others still at large, allegedly committed the offences between February 14 and February 18, 2026, in Kigali and Kampala.
Prosecution alleges that the group manipulated the banking systems of Equity Bank in Kigali using computer-based deception, securing unlawful financial gains amounting to Rwf 4.9 billion.
Investigations into the suspected fraud ring, believed to involve cross-border coordination, are ongoing.
