Kampala Tycoon Mukesh Shukla Remanded Over UGX220m Fraud

Summary:

• Kampala businessman Mukesh Shukla, CEO of Shumuk Aluminum Industries, is remanded to Luzira prison on charges of financial deception. Allegations include obtaining money under false pretenses and conspiracy to defraud. Shukla’s bail application awaits state response.

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KAMPALA, (Examiner) – Kampala-based tycoon Mukesh Shukla, renowned for the CEO of Shumuk Aluminum Industries, finds himself in Luzira prison after allegations of financial deception surfaced.

Shukla, the CEO of Shumuk Aluminum Industries, was apprehended at his Nakawa office and presented before Chief Magistrate Elias Kakooza at Nakawa court. He faces accusations of obtaining money under false pretenses and participating in a conspiracy to defraud.

Accompanying Shukla in these charges are his company manager, Judith Ayebare, and Kadikar Dharamdip Anilkumar, the accountant at Shumuk Group of Companies, although they were absent during the court proceedings.

Chief Magistrate Kakooza has ordered Shukla’s remand until May 24, allowing the state time to review his bail application.

Shukla, represented by his attorney Patrick Bwango, sought bail, citing his standing within the community, previous political aspirations, familial responsibilities, permanent residence, non-violent nature of the offense, availability of substantial sureties, and advanced age.

Bwango also expressed Shukla’s willingness to reconcile with the aggrieved parties, offering a token sum of Shs20 million as an initial gesture of goodwill.

However, the state prosecutor, Mariam Kuluthum, countered that Shukla should pursue reconciliation through court mediation and provide documented proof of his intentions.

Shukla faces charges under Section 309 of the Penal Code Act CAP 120 for conspiracy to defraud. The allegations stem from incidents between November 2020 and November 2021, involving transactions at Banda Industrial Area and Nakawa Industrial Area, where Shukla purportedly obtained USD 27,950 and over Shs116 million from N.S Japan Auto Ltd’s managing director, Shahid Mahmood Alvi, for leasing or renting land that he did not possess.

Alvi, the complainant, recounted his unsuccessful attempts to reclaim his funds, leading to police involvement.