Pastor Solomon Mwesige, the head of Good News Church and chief executive officer of KSTV Uganda, has reportedly been arrested in connection with an alleged Shs2.9 billion gold theft involving American investors and a gold-related project in Uganda’s Karamoja sub-region.
Mwesige was reportedly arrested on October 2 as police and anti-corruption authorities investigated allegations surrounding the missing funds and the circumstances under which the investment was made.
The case centres on an alleged financial dispute involving American investors George Mitchell Lepak and Dylan Robert Bluma, whose investment was reportedly connected to gold-related activities in Karamoja, a region known for its mineral deposits.
During questioning, Mwesige reportedly acknowledged knowing the two American investors. He is also said to have explained that the funds were used to establish Ukuri Aperture Science Innovation Ltd, a company operating in the gold-rich sub-region.
However, the circumstances surrounding the alleged loss of Shs2.9 billion remain unclear, with investigators expected to establish how the money was transferred, how it was spent and whether any funds were diverted from their intended purpose.
The investigation is also expected to examine the roles played by the individuals involved in the investment, including the arrangements under which the company was established and the nature of its business activities.
The involvement of a religious leader and media executive in a case involving foreign investors and a multimillion-shilling gold project is likely to draw attention to the accountability of investment ventures operating in Uganda’s mineral-rich areas.
Karamoja has attracted interest from investors because of its mineral potential, including gold. However, gold-related investments can involve complex commercial arrangements, making transparency, proper documentation and clear agreements important in resolving disputes over funds and business operations.
Authorities handling the case are expected to establish whether the allegations amount to a criminal offence and whether the evidence supports charges against any of the individuals involved.
At this stage, the available information does not establish the full circumstances of the alleged theft, and it remains unclear whether investigators have recovered any of the money or identified all the parties connected to the transaction.Mwesige’s reported arrest does not amount to proof of guilt.
The allegations remain subject to investigation, and any criminal liability would have to be established through the relevant legal process.
Further details are expected to emerge as investigators examine the financial transactions, the investment arrangements and the operations of Ukuri Aperture Science Innovation Ltd.
The case places renewed attention on the need for transparency in gold-related investments and the importance of establishing the facts before assigning criminal responsibility.
