Exiled Lawyer Kakwenza Links Minister Tumwebaze to COVID-19 Fund Theft

Exiled lawyer and writer Kakwenza Rukirabashaija has strongly criticized Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa for promoting Emburara Farm Lodge, claiming the establishment was built using stolen public funds.

Tayebwa had posted on X about his stay at Emburara, a high-end lodge in Mbarara, praising its hospitality and its role in promoting Ankole long-horned cattle as a tourism attraction.

He shared his experience following the Presidential Parish Development Model (PDM) Zonal Tour in the Ankole subregion.

However, Kakwenza responded sharply, accusing Tayebwa of endorsing a business allegedly funded by corruption.

“You’re advertising a business of a thief—Frank Tumwebaze—who stole COVID money to start Emburara. We must be united against thieves, not heap encomiums onto what they do with their loot,” he wrote.

Kakwenza’s accusation refers to Frank Tumwebaze, the Minister of Agriculture, who has previously faced allegations of misusing public funds, though no formal charges have been brought against him regarding COVID-19 relief funds.

His remarks highlight ongoing concerns about corruption and alleged misuse of government resources by high-ranking officials in Uganda.

Corruption remains a key issue in Uganda, with activists like Kakwenza frequently calling for greater accountability from leaders.