Businessman remanded over Shs62m land fraud

What the report says

A businessman, Gashari Samuel, has been remanded to prison after appearing before the Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court over allegations that he obtained Shs62 million from a buyer by pretending to sell land in Garuga, Wakiso District. The case, reported by Watchdog Uganda, centres on claims that the money was taken through false promises involving a 50-decimal plot in Katabi Town Council, Entebbe Municipality.

According to the prosecution, the alleged fraud took place between 2018 and 2019 in Kampala District. The complainant is identified as Kato Denis Sekate, who is said to have paid Gashari on the understanding that the businessman owned the land. Prosecutors allege that Gashari did not actually own the property he was offering.

Gashari was charged under Section 285 of the Penal Code Act with obtaining money by false pretence. The State House Anti-Corruption Unit worked with the Criminal Investigations Directorate and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in bringing the matter before court. He was remanded until October 29, 2026, while the case awaits further proceedings.

Land fraud cases remain a recurring issue in Uganda, particularly in fast-growing areas around Kampala and Wakiso where land demand is high and disputes are common. The allegations have not yet been tested in court, and the accused is entitled to a fair trial.