Christopher Osacar Kato, a sekadama (a term for Ugandans working in the Middle East) based in Dubai, has been remanded to Luzira Prison on charges of defrauding Colonel Fred Zakye, a senior UPDF officer, of over UGX 200 million in a failed property investment deal.
Kato appeared in court last week, where he was charged with one count of cheating.
According to the prosecution, Kato received the money from Col. Zakye, who serves as a defence attaché in Ethiopia, under the promise of purchasing two rental apartments — units 204 and 205 in Lamtara 1, Dubai — on Zakye’s behalf.
Kato also promised to manage the properties and regularly remit rental income to Zakye.
However, while the apartments were reportedly acquired, the expected financial returns were not delivered transparently.
Court documents show that Zakye received only $32,000 in two partial installments — $20,000 in March 2023 and $12,000 in July 2023.
After these payments, Kato allegedly blocked Zakye on WhatsApp and direct calls, prompting Zakye to file a police complaint on August 16, 2024.
Kato was arrested upon his return to Kampala, and the case is now set for further hearings as investigations continue.
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