By Frank Kamuntu
Well, you all know him, Rugiirwa Katatumba, the son of the late Bonny Kakatatumba. He may be the son of a highly respected late Ugandan diplomat, businessman, and father, but since stepping into the limelight, Rugiirwa has been no stranger to controversy.
Unlike his late father, Bonny, who was widely regarded as a noble figure and remains highly esteemed in Uganda, Rugiirwa has earned a reputation through controversy and scandals as we have summarized below;
In 2020, he was accused by bar owners of swindling them out of millions. The bar industry in Uganda, known for its high alcohol consumption, is highly lucrative.
In response to the industry’s potential, bar owners established the Bar, Club, and Entertainment Owners Association to advocate for their collective interests. However, the association collapsed shortly after its formation. Rugiirwa, who served as the founding chairman, registered the organization in his name and that of his family members without notifying the other members. This allowed him to control the association and its vital documents, including the constitution and bank account details. After collecting contributions from 150 members, he failed to account for the funds, leading to the association’s dissolution.
Rugiirwa’s troubles extended to his personal relationships. In 2013, a business venture with his then-close friend, Spear Abowe, ended in betrayal. They had opened a bar in Kabalagala called Monte Carlo (formerly Obama’s Bar), with Abowe investing heavily and Rugiirwa managing the operation. However, Rugiirwa embezzled the profits, using the money for personal indulgences. This breach of trust led to a bitter confrontation and the end of their friendship, leaving them estranged.
In 2021, Rugiirwa faced legal issues when he was charged with electronic fraud under the Computer Misuse Act of 2011 by Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court. He was accused of defrauding Pegasus Technology Limited of UGX 206 million between January and February 2018, purportedly for services provided by Katatumba Safaris Limited, and was also charged with receiving stolen property.
His financial misdeeds affected even his own family. While managing his father’s Hotel Diplomate, he reportedly embezzled substantial sums, nearly causing his father, Bonny Katatumba, to suffer a heart attack. This breach led to his dismissal and his replacement by his twin sister, Angella Katatumba. It took years for Rugiirwa to rebuild his father’s trust.
Rugiirwa’s fraudulent activities extended to land dealings as well. Through Uganda Real Estate Developers (URED), a company linked to his sister’s former partner, Henry Banyenzaki, he defrauded many individuals by promising lucrative land deals. Numerous victims filed police complaints against him.
Furthermore, Rugiirwa was accused of involving his twin sister, Angella, in his illicit activities by introducing her to wealthy men, including Jamaican singer Kuz KZ, who was reportedly involved in an altercation at Chicken Tonight in Kasanga with Angella.
Recently, it leaked that Rugiirwa had lost tycoon Sudhir’s trust after he recommended him for a loan at Prime Finance Ltd but instead of paying back he started playing hide and seek games until he was thrown into jail.
