RED PEPPER EXCLUSIVE! How Kabalagala Police Officers, City Lawyers framed Belgian National with Gay Charges, Stole his Sh700m & Forced Him to Flee Uganda

An explosive internal police investigation has uncovered an alleged sinister scheme involving police officers, lawyers and shadowy security operatives who reportedly framed a Belgian oil and gas consultant with homosexuality accusations, extorted money from him and forced him to flee Uganda.

The scandal, now shaking the corridors of the Uganda Police Force, has already seen two Kampala-based lawyers charged in court, while senior officers attached to Kabalagala Division face possible disciplinary action following a damning report by the Uganda Police Force Professional Standards Unit.

The internal probe reveals how the victim, Schelf Hout Joris, a 67-year-old Belgian national and oil and gas consultant who had been living in Muyenga, was allegedly trapped in a web of fraud, intimidation and abuse of police power.

SHS700M FRAUD SPARKS DRAMA

According to investigations, the saga began with a controversial bank transfer that saw Shs700 million disappear from Joris’ account.

Police records indicate that on November 23, 2024, the money was allegedly fraudulently transferred through Absa Bank to an account linked to Kampala lawyer Muhindo Patience Audrey.

The transaction triggered a criminal investigation registered under KMP/GEF/136/2025.

Court documents later revealed that Muhindo and another lawyer, Stuart Kasingye, were accused of orchestrating the scheme.

Both have since appeared before Makindye Magistrate’s Court on charges of theft and conspiracy to commit a felony, offences under the Penal Code Act.

The accused deny wrongdoing.

Jailed

CLANDESTINE ARREST AT BAR

But investigators say the alleged fraud was only the beginning of a much darker plot.

The internal police report states that on February 13, 2025, Muhindo allegedly collaborated with unidentified security operatives to orchestrate Joris’ arrest at DROP Bar and Restaurant in Muyenga.

According to the report, the Belgian consultant was seized and driven to Muyenga Police Station where he was accused of “practicing and promoting homosexuality.”

The PSU investigators later noted disturbing irregularities.

“Upon inspection of the police records at Muyenga Police Station, it was established that there was no case reported or registered against Schelf Hout Joris and his arrest was not recorded in the station diary or lock-up register,” the report states.

Instead of being placed in a police cell, Joris was allegedly confined in the office of the Officer-in-Charge for more than four hours.

The officers who reportedly handled the matter were ASP Namutebi Madrine, the OC Muyenga Police Station, and ASP Turyahikayo Alex, the OC Bukasa Police Post.

EXTORTION IN THE OC’S OFFICE

Investigators say that while he was being held inside the OC’s office, the Belgian national was pressured to pay money to secure his freedom.

The PSU report details how the victim allegedly paid Shs3 million to police officers.

“Schelf Hout Joris was deceitfully released on police bond upon extortion of UGX 3,000,000, whereby UGX 2,000,000 was withdrawn from his bank account using an ATM card and UGX 1,000,000 was cash he had on him,” investigators wrote.

The report adds that another payment was allegedly demanded.

“ASP Namutebi Madrine is also said to have demanded and received UGX 100,000 as office fee or ‘rent’,” the findings state.

Shockingly, investigators say several junior officers witnessed suspicious movements of money inside the office.

“Some subordinate officers were able to see a relatively questionable amount of money in the OC’s office drawer shortly after the release of Schelf Hout Joris,” the report notes.

THREATS AND FORCED EXILE

After paying the money, the Belgian consultant was reportedly released.

But investigators say the ordeal did not end there.

The report states that Joris was warned that the police would re-arrest and torture him if he remained in Uganda, using homosexuality allegations as leverage.

“It was established that upon his release, Schelf Hout Joris was unscrupulously duped to leave the country against his will in order to escape the famous brutality of the Uganda Police which was still tracking him,” investigators wrote.

Terrified by the threats, the Belgian national reportedly fled Uganda shortly afterwards.

He only returned months later after being persuaded by his partner Rukia Kawere to formally report the matter to authorities.

OFFICERS DENY INVOLVEMENT

When questioned during the internal investigation, ASP Namutebi allegedly denied ever interacting with the Belgian national.

But investigators rejected her claim.

“ASP Namutebi Madrine completely denied having interacted with Schelf Hout Joris. Her total denial was a sign of dishonesty as it was rebutted by eyewitness accounts,” the report concluded.

Investigators also questioned why ASP Turyahikayo had travelled from Bukasa Police Post to involve himself in a case outside his jurisdiction.

“It was irregular and perhaps with sinister motives for ASP Turyahikayo Alex to leave his area of operations and unnecessarily get involved in the matter,” investigators wrote.

DAMNING FINDINGS

After reviewing statements, police records and witness accounts, the Professional Standards Unit concluded that the officers’ conduct was unacceptable.

“The conduct of ASP Namutebi Madrine, ASP Turyahikayo Alex and other unidentified security operatives was irregular and unbecoming of police officers,” the report states.

Investigators added that the officers had violated the professional obligations expected of law enforcement officials.

“Such conduct is prejudicial to discipline and likely to bring discredit to the reputation of the force,” the report warns.

The PSU has recommended that the two officers face disciplinary charges under the Police Act.

The proposed two charges include; discreditable or irregular conduct and unlawful or unnecessary exercise of authority.

However, the investigators have also recommended that the case file be forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for further legal review.

LAWYERS IN LUZIRA

Meanwhile the alleged masterminds of the Shs700 million bank fraud are already behind bars.

The accused lawyers appeared before Makindye Magistrate’s Court and were remanded to Luzira Prison as investigations continue.

Prosecutors say the money transfer that triggered the scandal was part of a coordinated plan involving several individuals still at large.

The case is now threatening to expose what investigators fear could be a wider network of corruption within law enforcement and legal circles.

With the internal police report now on the table, pressure is mounting on authorities to take action against those implicated.

For now, the Belgian consultant who claims he was framed, robbed and chased out of Uganda waits for justice — while the scandal continues to send shockwaves through the police force.