THIS INSIDE STORY: Why Nelson Tugume Ditched Odrek Rwabwogo: How Business Interests Put Their Friendship Under Strain, and How Bebe Cool Brokered His Deal With Gen Muhoozi

Diamond Platnumz’s headline performance at the Africa Coffee Park launch sparked complaints from some Ugandan artistes, while businessman Nelson Tugume later found himself at the centre of a political storm involving Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba and Odrek Rwabwogo.

The launch of the Africa Coffee Park in Ntungamo, headlined by Tanzanian music superstar Diamond Platnumz, put businessman Nelson Tugume and his Inspire Africa Group firmly in the national spotlight.

But what was presented as a celebration of Uganda’s coffee industry and entertainment quickly generated controversy, particularly among some Ugandan musicians who questioned the prominence given to a foreign performer at an event intended to showcase Uganda’s coffee and creative industries.

Diamond was the headline performer at the inaugural Coffee Marathon in May 2025, with Ugandan stars including Bebe Cool and Eddy Kenzo also listed on the programme. The event was organised by Inspire Africa Group at the Africa Coffee Park in Rwashameire, Ntungamo.

The Tanzanian singer arrived by helicopter and praised the organisation of the event, while also taking part in a ceremonial coffee planting at the park. The event, however, triggered a backlash from sections of Uganda’s music industry.

Eddy Kenzo publicly criticised the organisers over what he considered preferential treatment of Diamond, while reports circulated about the large sums allegedly spent on the Tanzanian star. Kenzo also questioned the treatment of Ugandan artistes compared with their international counterparts.

Bebe Cool, who was involved in organising the event, defended the decision to bring international performers, arguing that big regional artistes could help market Uganda’s coffee beyond the country’s borders.

The controversy placed Tugume, the founder of Inspire Africa Coffee Park, at the centre of a debate over the balance between promoting Ugandan talent and using internationally recognised artistes to market Uganda’s coffee brand.

Muhoozi-Tugume confrontation

Months later, Tugume’s name surfaced in a different controversy involving Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba and businessman Odrek Rwabwogo.

According to sources familiar with the developments, Muhoozi had become unhappy with Tugume’s close working relationship with Rwabwogo, who is also his brother-in-law.

The sources alleged that Tugume’s association with Rwabwogo had become a sensitive issue because of the wider political differences between Muhoozi and Rwabwogo.

The two have publicly disagreed on a number of issues, although claims about the deeper reasons for their differences remain matters of political speculation.

Tugume had previously worked with Rwabwogo on initiatives to promote Ugandan coffee abroad. One such delegation reportedly travelled to eastern Europe to market Ugandan coffee, with former Uganda Cranes and SC Villa coach Milutin Sredojevich, commonly known as Micho, also involved.

A source told The Investigator that Muhoozi’s camp believed Tugume was reporting the affairs of the Africa Coffee Park to Rwabwogo.

“The CDF has intelligence family report that Tugume reports directly to Rwabwogo the affairs of Africa Coffee Park. Rwabwogo is his supervisor,” the source claimed. The allegation could not independently be verified.

The dispute reportedly intensified around the time American actor and musician Tyrese Gibson visited Uganda.

Africa Coffee Park later reported that President Yoweri Museveni hosted Tyrese at State House on August 25, 2026, as part of a programme exposing the American artiste to Uganda’s coffee, tourism and culture. Tugume was among those involved in the coffee presentation.

Bebe Cool steps in

As the pressure reportedly mounted on Tugume, people close to him allegedly advised him to seek a direct meeting with Muhoozi.

According to the account given by sources, one of Tugume’s journalist friends suggested that Bebe Cool could help because of his longstanding relationship with Muhoozi.

The singer was subsequently said to have played a role in opening communication between the businessman and the CDF.

Sources claimed that Bebe Cool helped broker a meeting that eventually paved the way for Tugume to approach Muhoozi directly.

The account cannot independently be verified, but it forms the basis of claims that the musician helped calm tensions between the two camps.

Tugume subsequently travelled to the Patriotic League of Uganda offices with his entourage, where he signed a memorandum of understanding pledging support for the movement.

Sources alleged that, during the engagement, Tugume distanced himself from Rwabwogo and committed himself to dealing directly with Muhoozi over matters concerning the coffee project.

Muhoozi offers forgiveness

The development became public when Muhoozi posted on X on September 15, welcoming Tugume into the PLU.

“I welcome Dr. Nelson Tugume to the mighty PLU. He can feel confident that the people’s movement will protect him and his investments,” Muhoozi wrote.

He added: “We do not hold grudges. Our God, Jesus Christ, taught us to forgive. We believe in forgiveness.”

The message appeared to mark a dramatic change in the relationship between Muhoozi and Tugume. The post has attracted mixed reactions.

Some supporters have praised Muhoozi for what they described as forgiveness and reconciliation. Others questioned the circumstances surrounding Tugume’s entry into PLU and raised concerns about the Africa Coffee Park.

One social-media user has urged Muhoozi to advise Tugume on alleged complaints by villagers over land used by the coffee project.

Another asked the CDF to explain his plans regarding the East African Federation before pledging support to PLU.

Other commentators welcomed Tugume and described his entry into PLU as evidence of the movement’s growing appeal.

Coffee Park remains central

Despite the political controversy surrounding its proprietor, the Africa Coffee Park has continued to market itself as a major coffee value-addition and tourism project.

According to the park’s own website, the Rwashameire estate now covers about 300 acres and employs more than 600 Ugandans. It says the facility produces roasted coffee, drip packs, espresso capsules, instant coffee, energy drinks and coffee-based skincare products.

The park says its first export shipment went to Somalia in October 2025 and that it is seeking markets including China, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The project has therefore evolved beyond the original coffee farm concept into a broader value-addition and tourism venture.

But its association with high-profile entertainment events has also made it a subject of public debate.

The Diamond Platnumz concert demonstrated the power — and risks — of using celebrity entertainment to promote an agricultural brand.

While organisers presented the Tanzanian star’s appearance as a way of attracting regional attention to Uganda’s coffee sector, some Ugandan artistes saw the event differently.

The controversy involving Kenzo and other musicians highlighted a broader debate within Uganda’s entertainment industry over whether major local events should prioritise domestic performers.

From music controversy to political reconciliation

Tugume’s journey has consequently taken him from the centre of Uganda’s coffee-and-entertainment debate to an unexpected political reconciliation with one of the country’s most powerful military figures.

At the centre of the story is Bebe Cool, whose involvement in the Africa Coffee Park event and reported relationship with Muhoozi has been cited by sources as the bridge between Tugume and the CDF. For Tugume, Muhoozi’s public message appeared to close one chapter of uncertainty.

For PLU, his arrival provides another businessman associated with a high-profile commercial enterprise.

And for the Africa Coffee Park, the episode comes as the project seeks to build itself into a major Ugandan coffee value-addition and tourism destination.

The political implications of Tugume’s new association with PLU, however, remain a matter for future developments.

Author Profile

Stephen Kasozi Muwambi: Mr. Stephen Kasozi Muwambi is a seasoned crime investigative writer, majoring in judicial-based stories. His two decades’ experience as a senior investigative journalist has made him one of the best to reckon on in Uganda. He can also be reached via [email protected]