By Peter Luzinda
KAMPALA
Two Chinese nationals have been remanded to Luzira Prison over allegations of defrauding a Kampala casino of Shs63 million through a scheme involving a baccarat machine and forged gaming tickets.
Liu Min, 36, and Li Wenshuang, 40, appeared before Buganda Road Chief Magistrate Ritah Neumbe on Thursday, but the court deferred plea-taking because a Chinese interpreter was unavailable.
They were remanded until November 6, 2026, when they are expected to return to court for further proceedings.
The prosecution alleges that the pair cheated Punjig Casino at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala on October 25, 2026.
They face charges of cheating under Section 287 of the Penal Code Act and forging tickets under the Lotteries and Gaming Act.
According to the allegations, the suspects used tricks while playing a baccarat machine and allegedly swapped play cards using a card-changing device to forge tickets. Some reports have also mentioned the alleged use of electronic devices.
The two are said to have entered Uganda on tourist visas.
Senior State Attorney Joan Keko raised concern over what she described as a growing trend of Chinese nationals allegedly travelling to Uganda on tourist visas before engaging in fraudulent activities targeting investors.
She warned that such conduct, if left unaddressed, could affect investor confidence.
The accused have not yet entered pleas to the charges, which remain unproven. They are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The matter will return to Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court on November 6.
