The State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU), in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID1) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), has arraigned Joseph Ibona before the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court on charges of obtaining money by false pretences.
Ibona was remanded until April 10, 2026, as investigations into the alleged fraudulent dealings continue.
According to prosecutors, Ibona is part of a network of fraudsters that includes Charles Mulyansaka, alias Dr. Muo Dickens; Peter Watum, and Drake Twebaze, alias Dr. John Karuhanga all previously charged in connection with defrauding an investor in a multimillion-dollar scam.
“The group is accused of orchestrating a fraudulent transaction involving the purported supply of an AdBlue solution a chemical used to reduce carbon emissions in automotive engines valued at USD 4.95 million,” read part of the statement. .
The deal targeted several government ministries, primarily the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development and the Ministry of Works and Transport.
Court documents also indicate that the accused also attempted to obtain USD 50,000 from the investor through a bank account, claiming the money was meant for registering the investor’s company, TMA Africa Proprietary Limited in Uganda, a claim investigators say was entirely false.
The case is part of the ongoing efforts by anti-corruption bodies to dismantle organized fraud networks and safeguard both public institutions and private investors from financial crimes. Proceedings are expected to continue as more details emerge.
