A boda boda rider has been remanded to Luzira Prison for allegedly masterminding a sophisticated electronic fraud that cost Centenary Bank Shs 332 million.
The suspect, George Byaruhanga, aged 45, is a resident of Nansana Municipality in Wakiso District. He appeared before the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, where he was charged with six counts, including fraud, impersonation, forgery, and uttering false documents.
According to the prosecution led by Grace Amy, Byaruhanga allegedly used multiple false identities — including those of Ronald Kintu and Rogers Ainembabazi — to siphon money from a Centenary Bank account.
In February 2025, he reportedly impersonated Kintu and used a forged national ID to register on the bank’s biometric system. This allegedly allowed him to obtain a Visa card and access the victim’s account.
How the fraud was executed
Investigators say Byaruhanga used the fake identity to withdraw Shs 50 million over the counter.
He then allegedly transferred Shs 250 million to another account registered in the name of Rogers Ainembabazi at Exim Bank.
An additional Shs 32.2 million was reportedly withdrawn through agent banking channels.
To complete the scheme, Byaruhanga is accused of forging several documents, including account opening forms and identity credentials, to make the transactions appear legitimate.
Prosecutors told court that investigations are ongoing as police continue to trace the money trail and identify possible accomplices.
Byaruhanga denied all six charges and was informed of his right to apply for bail. However, Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi remanded him after his sureties failed to appear in court.
The case was adjourned to November 12, 2025, when court will resume hearings and consider Byaruhanga’s bail application.
