news 2 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
TikToker 'Katwalo' charged and remanded over Shs320 million fake gold scam
A popular Ugandan TikTok personality, identified as businessman Issa Muwonge, also known as 'Katwalo', has been remanded to Luzira Prison. He faces charges of obtaining money by false pretence in a fraudulent gold deal totaling approximately Shs320 million ($85,300). Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/tiktoker-katwalo-remanded-over-shs320m-fake-gold-scam-5581514
Issa Muwonge, 49, a businessman and social media personality recognized as ‘Katwalo’, appeared before the City Hall Court in Kampala on September 2, 2026. He pleaded not guilty to charges of obtaining money by false pretence.
According to prosecution, Muwonge and accomplices allegedly defrauded a foreign national of $85,300 (approximately Shs320 million). The alleged incident occurred on August 2, 2026, at Max Metal Refinery in Bukoto, Kampala.
The complainant, who arrived in Uganda on August 1, was reportedly led to believe he was purchasing seven kilograms of gold. He allegedly met with Muwonge and Mahad Asiimwe, director of Max Metal Refinery Limited, at the refinery. After verifying the company’s legitimacy online, the investor entered into a sales agreement.
He paid a total of $85,300, partly in cash and partly via cryptocurrency, for the gold. He was promised the consignment would be shipped to Dubai within three days, but it never arrived. Upon attempting to follow up, he was allegedly met with further demands for money, leading to a police report.
Prosecution stated that investigations are complete and requested a hearing date, noting the complainant’s visa had been extended to facilitate the proceedings. Senior Principal Magistrate Grade One Nicholas Aisu remanded Muwonge to Luzira Prison until September 21, 2026.