Court directs on Shs220m fraud case involving Shumuk boss Shukla

The Nakawa Chief Magistrate's Court has issued a stern warning to businessman Mukesh Shukla, the proprietor of Shumuk Aluminium Industries, directing that his long-running criminal trial be concluded without further delays.

The directive was issued by Chief Magistrate Christine Nantege during proceedings in which Shukla, who is accused of Shs220 million fraud, appeared in court after a prolonged absence that had raised concerns over his commitment to attend trial.

According to the complainant, Shahid Mahmood Alvi, the court ordered Shukla's arrest upon his appearance and detained him for about three hours before allowing the proceedings to continue.

"The court noted that he had been missing for a long time in this case. When he appeared, he was arrested and held for about three hours," Shahid said during a phone chat with our reporter.

The court also cancelled the sureties that had previously guaranteed Shukla's attendance and ordered that fresh sureties be presented.

Shukla's wife and son subsequently stood surety for him, assuring the court that he would continue attending all future proceedings.

"The magistrate cancelled his earlier sureties and directed that family members should stand as his guarantors. His wife and son accepted responsibility to ensure he attends court," Shahid added.

During the session, Chief Magistrate Nantege reportedly emphasised the need to bring the matter to a close, warning against any further delays.

The magistrate fixed July 15, 2026, as the final date for the continuation of the hearing and directed that the cross-examination must be completed on that day.

"The court gave a final date of July 15 and made it clear that the cross-examination has to finish on that day," the complainant said.

The case stems from allegations that Shukla and others fraudulently obtained more than Shs220 million from a business associate through false representations relating to land transactions.

Shukla, who serves as the Chief Executive Director of Shumuk Aluminium Industries, is jointly charged with obtaining money by false pretence and conspiracy to defraud alongside his company, manager Judith Ayebare and accountant Kadikar Dharamdip Anilkumar.

Court records indicate that the accused allegedly obtained approximately USD 27,950 and more than Shs116 million from Alvi Auto Village Ltd between November 2020 and November 2021 while purportedly claiming to be leasing or renting out two plots of land in Banda Industrial Area and Nakawa Industrial Area.

The prosecution alleges that the representations were false and were made with the intention of defrauding the complainant.

When the charges were first brought before court, Shukla was remanded to Luzira Prison after being arrested from his Nakawa office and produced before the then Nakawa Chief Magistrate Elias Kakooza.

At the time, Shukla sought release on bail through his lawyers, arguing that he was a family man with a fixed place of residence, substantial sureties and deep roots in the community.

He also expressed willingness to reconcile with the complainant and reportedly offered to deposit Shs20 million as a gesture of good faith.

However, the criminal proceedings have continued, with the court now signalling its intention to bring the matter to a conclusion after years of litigation.

Read Next Article