Museveni’s bailout Ex Buganda Premier of debt
CAPTION: Ex-Buganda Kingdom-Katikkiro Eng.JB Walusimb. (File photo).
By our reporter
KAMPALA – President Museveni has ordered the State House Comptroller Jane Barekye to arrange Sh2.8bn and be given to Ex-Buganda Kingdom-Katikkiro Eng.JB Walusimbi to save him from looming jail, reports Red Paper Online.
This publication recently exclusively revealed how Walusimbi maybe arrested soon by menacing money lenders to recover their money.
Whereas the extent of the debt is unclear, family sources say it ranges in billions.
We have been told that Walusimbi has had to sale about 30 out of his 36 properties spread all over the country to clear these debts and to make matters worse, even the remaining 6 properties are reportedly in the hands of money lenders.
Left with no option, sources say Walusimbi ran to Buganda Kingdom for financial help but the officials there reportedly expressed little appetite to intervene.
He would later link up with Enock Kabaleega, a Special Presidential Assistant/Political Affairs who took him to President Museveni.
In return, the president ordered State House Comptroller Jane Barekye to make sure sh.2.8bn is arranged for the senior citizen to address his financial woes.
“Yes it’s true Enock Kabaleega works for State House and he is the one who linked me there. He has been helpful,” the Ex-Katikkiro told this publication when we reached out to him.
He is however not happy that his financial woes have reached in the media wondering who could be behind the leaks.
“There is some truth [about loan stress reports in our previous story] but not for the newspapers. I’m wondering who did it [leaked the story]. I’m a senior citizen of this country! So, such reports attract interest and concern from everyone. I have received several calls after your reports. Whoever did it [leaked the story] whether a family member should know that’s not the way to handle things,” the senior citizen stressed.
Walusimbi’s situation raises questions about financial management and the role of powerful individuals/senior citizens in society.
This publication reached out to Enock Kabaleega, a Special Presidential Assistant/Political Affairs, who indeed confirmed intervening to help Walusimbi address his financial woes.
He confirms taking Walusimbi to State House for help and does not regret doing so.
A section of Eng.Walusimbi’s family members however accuse Kabaleega of allegedly demanding kickbacks for himself and a purported commissioner, an allegation he denies.
State House has been contacted to confirm whether Kabaleega, who has interests in media broadcasting, is indeed their employee.
“I’m greatful and thank the president for accepting to help the Ex-Katikkiro financially and I don’t regret what I did. People can say what they want but history will be kind to me,”Kabaleega said.Kabaleega
Walusimbi’s situation has sparked mixed reactions, with some questioning the use of state funds to bail out a private individual.
WAR OVER STATE HOUSE CASH
This publication understands that the State House has been releasing the bailout money to the Ex-Katikkiro in installments. And they have been releasing it directly to him.
However, this was an opportunity for some family members and hangers-on to misuse it.
That instead of using it for the intended purpose ( loan repayment) they would go on a spending spree.
We are told one of the sons (names withheld for now) misused over sh800m. But this is a story for another day.
When State House learnt about this misuse, they decided now to pay the creditors directly rather advancing it to Walusimbi and this annoyed the family members and hangers-on who were benefiting from the prior arrangement.
We are told there was even a warrant of arrest last week against the Ex-Katikkiro but State House intervened and cleared some money.
In 2024, Walusimbi was served with an intention to use notices by debt collectors (JBM CONSULTANTS, BAILIFFS & AUCTIONEERS) acting on behalf of their client Micheal Hadoke, a city money lender.
It is alleged that on June 15, 2024, Walusimbi approached Hadoke for a loan.
He was supposed to pay back shs 277,500,000 (interest inclusive) after one month.
However Walusimbi didn’t pay back in time.
The bailiffs demanded sh27, 750,000, being debt collection fees and disbursement hence making a total of sh 305,350,000.
This publication understands this loan was cleared by StateHouse.
Indian money lenders including Raja Chambers are also reportedly on his neck.
Sources say, the Ex-Katikkiro’s total outstanding debt now stands at around sh800m.
WHAT WENT WRONG?
We are told Pope Paul Memorial Hotel in Ndeeba is the hunting ground for money lenders looking for desperate senior citizens looking for quick loans and most of the deals are sealed from there as we shall reveal in our subsequent publication.
And curiously these money lending deals are reportedly sealed by fortune hunters posing as these senior citizens’ family members including sons, handlers and hangers-on who go on to invest in imaginary gold businesses on his behalf only to be scammed.
And Walusimbi has not been spared.
Sources say there was a 2023 incident where his former assistant (a son) allegedly stole over sh800million shillings meant for loan repayment.
Walusimbi says he has since forgiven him.
“Mistakes happen and I have forgiven him,” the Ex-Katikkiro told this publication.
Walusimbi is reportedly now surrounded by a new group of individuals, including Mulangira Kimera, a mechanic who allegedly connects him with money lenders with exorbitant loan terms.
We have been told that Walusimbi has had to sale about 30 out of his 36 properties spread all over the country to clear these debst and to make matters worse, even the remaining 6 properties are reportedly in the hands os money lenders.
Left with no option, sources say Walusimbi ran to Buganda Kingdom for financial help but the officials there reportedly expressed little appetite to intervene.
He would later link up with one Enock Kabaleega, a Special Presidential Assistant/Political Affairs who took him to President Museveni.
In return, the president ordered State House Comptroller Jane Barekye to make sure she.2.8bn is arranged for the senior citizen JB Walusimbi to address his financial woes.
The Buganda kingdom government has also been criticized for not providing support to its former Katikiro.
It remains to be seen wether Eng.Walusimbi will fully resolve his financial issues or face imprisonment.
Eng. JB Walusimbi handed over to Peter Mayiga in 2013 after serving the Kingdom for close to 23 years.
Sources say Walusimbi has been struggling financially for some time.
He has reportedly told those close to him that a mere ministerial appointment is also enough to salvage him financially.
Those pushing for his ministerial appointment are confident of his vast experience can help in mending ties between Buganda and the ruling NRM government.
