By Aggrey Baba
An old African proverb says, when an elephant falls, the hyenas celebrate. But for the family of the late business mogul Dr. Bulaimu Muwanga Kibirige (BMK), the weight of financial obligations left behind has been anything but a cause for celebration.
A long-standing debt of UGX 2 billion had put one of their prime properties on the brink of auction, until last-minute negotiations offered a glimmer of hope.
The financial dispute dates back to July 2021, when Haruna Muwanga Kalule, one of BMK’s sons, borrowed UGX 1.4 billion from State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, Balaam Barugahara.
The loan was meant to support a UGX 30 billion government contract for constructing health centers in northern Uganda.
Court records show that Kalule was supposed to repay UGX 100 million by October 30, 2021, and the remaining UGX 1.3 billion by January 30, 2022. However, he defaulted on the payments, leading to legal action. By July 2023, the Commercial Division of the High Court ruled in favor of Barugahara, ordering Kalule to clear the outstanding amount.
With interest and penalties accumulating, the debt ballooned to UGX 2 billion, prompting Barugahara to seek court approval to seize and sell off a BMK family property in Buziga, Kampala, a move that sent shockwaves through the business community.
Faced with the imminent loss of the high-value Plot 46, Mulamula Road, Buziga, the BMK family, led by Group Chairman Ali Muwanga Kibirige, stepped in to negotiate a way forward.
Barugahara also confirmed that he had sought discussions with key BMK family stakeholders, including trustee Isaac Mubarak Nsobya, businessman Mansoor Matovu (Young), and Haji Kaddu Kiberu, in an attempt to settle the matter amicably.
On January 17, 2025, the court issued a warrant of attachment, permitting bailiffs to take control of the property. Tenants occupying 35 self-contained apartments on the land were given 14 days to vacate or risk forceful eviction.
Meanwhile, fresh concerns emerged after reports indicated that a second land title attached to the same property was also under threat due to an unpaid loan from Yako Bank Uganda Limited.
Despite the looming risk of losing the property, Minister Barugahara has signaled a willingness to negotiate with the BMK family if they demonstrate a commitment to repaying the debt.
“I was only helping a friend’s family that had secured a big government project. But now, I need my money. If they come to the table, we can find a way out. If not, I will proceed with the sale,” the minister remarked.
With discussions now underway, all eyes are on the BMK family to see if they can raise the funds in time to prevent what could be a painful loss of one of their prized assets. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
