The recent court ruling confirming that Haruna Kalule Muwanga, the son of the late city tycoon Ibrahim Muwanga Kibirige (BMK), breached a Shs1.4 billion agreement with Minister Balaam Barugahare is a shameful testament to the corrosive greed that plagues Uganda’s business elite. The once-revered BMK empire, built on the blood, sweat, and tears of a man who symbolized resilience and success, now stands on the brink of collapse due to the reckless and dishonorable actions of its inheritors.
This entire episode reeks of the sort of betrayal that would make even the most corrupt of politicians blush. Muwanga, in his blatant disregard for legal agreements and ethical conduct, has not only embarrassed his family but also betrayed the trust of those who believed in the BMK legacy. This is a man who, instead of upholding the dignity of his father’s empire, has chosen to engage in deceit and financial malfeasance, exploiting relationships for personal gain. The fact that he sought financial support from Balaam, only to renege on the agreement, shows a profound lack of honor and integrity—traits that his father was known for.
Balaam, on the other hand, has been nothing but gracious and patient in his dealings with Muwanga. It is a travesty that a man of his stature, with investments in radio, marketing, and event management, should be dragged through the mud by someone who has inherited wealth and status without earning it. The cheques Muwanga issued that bounced are symbolic of his hollow promises and empty words. Instead of facing his obligations like a man, he chose to hide, leaving Balaam to chase after him like a debtor from the slums of Kampala, a disgraceful scenario for a so-called director of the BMK empire.
What is even more appalling is Muwanga’s audacity to avoid the legal process, forcing Balaam to resort to substituted service through newspapers. This is not the behavior of a respectable businessman but rather that of a coward trying to escape the consequences of his actions. The court’s decision to award Balaam general damages and an interest rate on the owed money is a small consolation for the immense trouble Muwanga has caused.
As banks and financial institutions now circle like vultures around BMK’s properties, including his multibillion matrimonial home in Naguru, one can’t help but wonder what BMK would think of the empire he built being reduced to a feeding frenzy for creditors. The once-mighty BMK name is being dragged through the dirt by the very heirs who should have protected and honored it. This is the tragic consequence of greed, irresponsibility, and the utter lack of accountability that has become all too common in Uganda’s so-called business elite.
Discussion about this post