Kampala, Uganda – A prominent Ugandan lawyer and an Indonesian firm have denied allegations of involvement in a multi-billion shilling gold fraud scandal.
Isaac Kyagaba, a well-known lawyer in Kampala, and PT HRTC Exploration and Production, an Indonesian-based company, issued separate statements on the weekend dismissing the allegations as “false and malicious”.
The allegations, which emerged on social media platforms, claimed that Kyagaba and PT HRTC were involved in a fraudulent gold transaction worth billions of shillings. However, both parties have vehemently denied any wrongdoing.
Kyagaba’s lawyers, Kirunda & Co. Advocates, described the allegations as “false and malicious” and stated that their client was not involved in any “gold heist”.
“Contrary to the reports in the impugned story, Mr. Kyagaba was not at all involved in any ‘gold heist.’ He did not orchestrate any fraudulent scheme, neither is he implicated in one,” the statement read.
PT HRTC Exploration and Production also issued a statement denying any involvement in the alleged gold fraud. The company stated that neither Kyagaba nor their legal representatives received any funds related to the alleged transaction.
“The claims that he received $500,000 without remitting it to authorities and that he presented a fake customs declaration are completely false, misleading, and defamatory,” said Bunga Mentari, Director of PT HRTC.
Both Kyagaba and PT HRTC have called on the authorities to investigate the source of the allegations and to take action against those responsible for spreading false information.
The denial by Kyagaba and PT HRTC comes amid growing concerns about corruption and fraudulent activities in Uganda’s mining sector. The government has vowed to crack down on corruption and to ensure transparency in the sector.
The allegations against Kyagaba and PT HRTC have sparked widespread debate on social media, with many calling for a thorough investigation into the matter.
