Occasionally funny, lighthearted 25-year old, born and raised in Kampala. An artist by heart, ardent tech and mental wellness tinkerer.

Who are the parents, when and where the POB (Place of Birth) is?

My birth mother is Elizabeth Luwalira. She’s the toughest and most consistent person I know of. She worked and studied with two young boys to raise on her own for the most part. I met my brand new dad, Derrick Luwalira at about 11. He had a really cool bike and haircut at the time so I liked him instantly. They’re both Ugandans based in Kira Division. I was born in 1997 somewhere in Kampala.

Do you have any siblings?

I have one older sister, one older brother and two younger brothers who are my favorite people on the planet.

A brief profile on school life?

I started my formal education journey with my grandma walking me to nursery school daily. I was a straight A student throughout primary school. I went Downhill from S.1 when I found out I’d still be taking notes for the next 6 years and not doing much outside the classroom for grades. I used art as my hideout, I practiced a lot of drawing to cope with school stress as I increasingly became more reserved with age. I took every opportunity to skip class to work on art projects, with my daily bowl of noodles and an existential conversation with a friend. My highlight was when I worked on the school magazine with my biggest crush and for a moment while it lasted, I felt like I knew what I was doing with my life. I gave the magazine my all and it showed. I finished high school in 2015 with average grades, untouched assignments, low self-esteem and really big ambiguous dreams.

Where you always embedded in art–related fields whilst at school ?

Yes, whereas I didn’t study art formally after S2, I continued using the big cool art text books in the library to practice. I also hang out in the art room all the time collaborating on art projects with art students. Towards the final exams, I volunteered to be the model for the ‘human figure’ art exam for my classmates just so I could be in the art room one last time with them.

When did you start pursuing art as a career?

In 2016, shortly after I quit university two weeks into the I.T course.

We understand that you also did a couple of courses. Tell us about them!

Discovering online school was the most liberating part of my learning journey. Everything was faster, cheaper and way clearer than what I’d experienced in the classroom. I went wild with it and pursued mobile app design, photography, entrepreneurship, psychology and film. I learned so much in a really short time. My family was really unamused by my choices so I did physical robotics classes at Fundibots to have something for them to hold on to. Consequently, all this exposure to knowledge started to pay off in conversations with older people in these spaces so I got working opportunities. Eventually I got more serious about certification so I pursued Outcome Based Education, which helped me understand why I was initially bored with conventional school. This made me a really good educator.

When did you nature the Figurines Brand?

Figurines was born way later than its conception. The brand as is today, was born in 2019 but conceived on the night of New Year’s Eve in 2016.

What does Figurines stand for?

Figurines the name in itself means little figures of real life things. I first saw the word on a photographer friend’s Instagram (LNF) and fell in love. I was already making figurines to help first time painters to ease into the process and bypass their anxiety and creative block.

Just as the logo depicts a color mixing pallet in the form of a semicolon, we value wellbeing. We’re creating all the art experiences we can to guide people into self-expansion rather than escapism through the art making experience.

What are the modalities of online art supplies shopping online?

Gradually online shopping for art supplies is becoming mainstream. This is partly because the market for basic art supplies has grown tremendously from the time we started introducing creativity to everyday people in 2017. Prior to that art supplies online were inexistent. You could only access them from a few physical shops literally along one street in Kampala. It is still fairly difficult to access affordable good quality art supplies online as most providers add big margins knowing that buyers have little choice. These days, you have a better chance accessing good quality supplies affordably and easily because our team has put in the effort and time to create alternatives in cases where access and pricing is difficult.

Are there any risks as regards this online business especially clones and counterfeits?

There’s risk in any business venture honestly more so online. But I believe that the bigger the risk, the bigger the reward. Some of the most glaring in this field are unfair pricing and misleading advertisements. Lots of sellers online take advantage of the ignorance and misconceptions about art supplies to rip off people. The concept of online sales is not new and has been cloned over and over in different fields. The bigger risk remains in the ethical bits of operation, which makes or taints the image of the whole industry.

Have you held any exhibitions in Uganda. If yes, where and how many?

Yes, in 2019 we worked with Qraft Mind Uganda to shine a light on visual artists that no one was paying much attention to. Some of the artists that exhibited include Emmie Nume, who demonstrated for the first time ever and is now part of Afriart gallery (the best on the continent) He has since exhibited and is yet to exhibit across the globe. Some of the others were Mwojo, Daniel Lubwama, Wesley etc.

What are the challenges you face on this business?

The biggest challenge currently is in pioneering. We constantly have to innovate and experiment new experiences, products and concepts. This means we need to actively renovate the systems that protect and increase our cash flow. Basically speaking, the money has to be woven from thin air and that’s no mean feat.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

We’re working towards a light manufacturing space to create even better and more affordable art supplies and consequently experiences, also serving our friends in Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania.

Is there a future for online art business in Uganda?

Online is the most sustainable future for art business. With the emergence of NFTs and several AI platforms, it’s only a matter of time before art businesses can only thrive online. The market is wider and with our rich stories and recent deep histories, African contemporary art is already taking the world by storm thanks to the internet’s exposure. The only way to fully protect our art and benefit from it is to learn how to use online tools to create, sell and safeguard our creations.

What advice would you give to an artist interested in pursuing art as an entrepreneurial business model?

As an entrepreneur in the art space 3 things are key to me; Financial Records, Documentation and Systems. The earlier one gets comfortable with numbers, the smoother the journey will be. When you document beautifully it’s easier to build a visual brand and get paying clients. Now more than ever, people prefer to spend extra on aesthetics. Systems protect you. Create ways to get work done without you physically having to be a million things. Use online tools like sheets, or excel, design pricelists and discount options prior to conversations with clients.

One off the cuff. Are you married?

Nope, not married no kids.

In my DM was a message from a friend, carrying Owek. Kaggo`s picture. “Is this true Darren?” read the caption. Upon fully opening the photo, the caption read; “RIEP Owek Kaggo.” By this time, I had been joined by a friend on my table and he immediately realized something had hit me. I explained that how someone I just met on Wednesday, is alleged to have passed on. “But I need to confirm,” I announced to him before he demanded to know which person. “Owek. Kaggo of Kyaddondo County,” I responded. “Yeah, she passed on close to five hours ago,” he lightly but confidently announced the confirmation, wondering how I would be related to the Late. My heart took a three-day trip down the memory lane.

A fortnight ago, in a meeting at my workplace, we were deliberating plans to do with the forthcoming women-related seminar. Its themed; “Enhancing Collective Action to Extend SRHR (Sexual Reproductive and Health Rights) to Out-of-school girls.” I this particular meeting, we were screening which personalities to be invited. It was resolved that we invite religious and cultural leaders, and Civil Society Organizations’ officials, among others, to address the seminar attendees. Our offices being premised in Kyaddondo County, we circled on Kaggo (Kabaka`s Head of Kyaddondo County), to represent the Cultural Leaders.

Being a lady herself, her choice was undebatable. I was picked to contact her and extend our invitation. That was an honor for me. Not so? Yeah. Whereas a friend had offered her contacts, I deemed it fit not to call but physically go to her office and seek an appointment from right there. You don’t simply call big people who have no idea who you are. So, on Wednesday, I jumped onto a safeboda to Kasangati where, her offices are situated. Honestly, I expected to only interact with a front desk officer, book an appointment and burst. No wonder I never minded visiting the royal office donning my long, though official pants. But alas! This was not the case. I was told she was around and had instead, accepted to meet me right after finishing the meeting she was in.

One on One with Owek. Nakibirige, Now the Late

After about thirty minutes later, I saw the people she was supposedly having a meeting with, coming out one by one. Then the lady Secretary announced my turn to meet the Kaggo. She is a medium-height, serious presentation but with a gentle look and welcoming character. She`s dressed in a brownish floral cultural `kitenge`, long enough to touch her ankles. She beckons me to have a seat across her desk. “Tusanyuse okukulabako nnyabo,” said in Luganda, literally meaning; “We are glad to see you madam.” Down on my knees I went, to respond to her greetings and further pleasantries. Back on my seat, I introduced myself, and the reason for my impromptu visit.

Upon reading the invitation later, she exclaimed a `wow`! “This is a very good initiative. You see, I am in this seat but because I am a woman, almost everyone despises me. They believe we have to be on the sidelines of men,” she started our conversation, sending chills down my spine with her positive response to our cause. Seeing her swift positivity to ours and going by our conversation, I summarily understood where she comes from. “Batulwanyisa. Buli lwebalaba Omukyala mu bukulembeze obwa waggulu balabira ddala nti eyamuwa obukulembeze yali abuliddwa omusajja gwatuma.” (“They fight us every time. Whenever they see a woman in top leadership positions, they tend to think whoever appointed you lacked a suitable man to do the job.), she said, a miserable look betraying her inner feelings against women discrimination.

After about thirty minutes of our feminine-filled chat, she announced how, she personally could not attend the function which, actually, is happening next week on Tuesday. “Unfortunately, I am preparing to go for my leave and for that matter, I am bit caught up in busy schedules. However, I won’t fail to get one of my trusted people to ably represent me.” She was a woman of action. For, she immediately picked her phone and called three people. Two seemed engaged on the D-day but her last call yielded fruits. “Good, I have got someone to represent me very well. She is this exposed lady who have traveled and spoken to people internationally. She is called Mrs. Mayanja. Expect her call soonest.”

Outside, there were three gentlemen waiting for their turn. She was aware of their presence. She called in the Secretary and asked her to usher them in. This gesture meant she had put our meeting at a close. I rose to go but… even when the visitors had settled in, I stopped at the door way. `How can I meet such a big personality and fail to get accountability for it!` I questioned myself before I turned around and boldly, but humbly requested for a photo moment. “But Madam Namatovu!” Indeed, I had interrupted her but I wasn’t sorry for my mistake. I needed the photo with her. And oh yes, her secretary came in handy to do the job. After this, I left, a happy girl indeed.

Trust her gentleness and trust. For indeed, her trusted subordinate made good to her promise. Today (Friday) early in the morning, I received a call. “Hello Madam Namatovu, my name is Annunciat Namujuzi Mayanja,” the caller announced. Of course, I was longing for a caller named Mrs. Mayanja, as promised by Owek. Kaggo. I nearly jumped out of my bed to kneel down and talk to her properly! “I got your number from Kaggo about your function on Tuesday. I had an engagement on that day but for your cause, I will cancel everything. This call is therefore, to confirm my attendance. Please share the program and other details,” said Mrs. Mayanja. I did the listening bit and my only word were; “I am so grateful Owek. I will definitely send in the details later in the day. She hung up.

So, today when I received the sad news, my whole-self jumped into somber moods. At my age (Pardon me good people. `True` ladies never tell their age yet I don’t want to lie!), I had just gotten a new friend fit to be my mother and mentor. And who knows, in Mrs. Mayanja, I would have gotten two. But God`s ways are not our ways. Mrs. Mayanja won`t represent Owek. Kaggo anymore! For, she`s gone to be with the Lord! “Unfortunately, I am preparing to go for my,” Little both of us knew, she was going for her eternal Leave. Until we meet again, Rest in Power, Owek. Agnes Nakibirige Ssempa…  

The woman opens about how she has been enduring Lwasa’s lousy performance between the sheets because of his money. “He is generous with money. That one you cannot take away from him,” this lady compliments Lwasa. What she states in regard to Lwasa’s generosity is also shared by other women who have offered the short businessman, a tour to the southern route. Just as the first lady we interviewed while trying to investigate the reason why ladies drop Lwasa like plague, many others would as well end up confirming to us how the rich man is weak there under the bedcovers.

“It’s true. Lwasa is boring in bed. But he has the money and he is willing to part with the same,” the women in Lwasa’s circles would keep on re-echoing the same message as if they were all on cue. Given that Lwasa is willing and ready to part with money which is not one of his problems, anyway, one would go away with the feeling that this is the reason why he is very popular with ladies. Such revelation of his laziness in bed arrives after the businessman has lost two women in a space of less than three months. 

The very freshest woman to ditch Lwasa would shockingly do so on the day of introducing him to her parents. After losing the first woman and acquiring the one who went on to ditch him on the eve of their introduction, Lwasa had boasted publicly how the new catch would never ever at all, dump him. Lwasa had gone on to outrageously label the first lover as a thief before calling her vanishing as a good riddance. Sounding as if he is a typical bad loser, Lwasa has after losing the very last known catch, gone on to label her a night dancer.

“He is saying that deceitfully. What he doesn’t want anyone to know is that he is very lousy in bed,” another of Lwasa’s side-dishes divulges. An old man who brags to possess the required experience in these matters, makes it known that men who are lousy in bed tend to behave as if they have a lot of the required stamina and to endlessly show off young women. “They do this to hide their inherent inadequacy,” this interviewee argues.

Our ‘expert’ adds that for purposes of keeping the women without running away from them, such men would keep on showering women with endless dimes, plus endless presents. He notes that the biggest mistake these men make is to take on young girls who are tigresses in bed and who for that reason, end up running away from them in pursuit of satisfaction. “What I would advise these men is to stop taking on young tigresses but rather to concentrate on older women who are less demanding in bed,” our expert counsels.

The extremely confident stocky man of around 90kgs of weight, a marketer by profession is contesting for the first time of his political career but already exudes confidence of a serial winner.

He is running in a sister constituency of another constituency that was formerly dominated by controversial minister Rtd. Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire who was humbled in the 2016 election by a military officer named Mugabe Donozio Kahonda. But while Kahinda Otafiire is running in another constituency, Mr. Byaruhanga is running against incumbent Kahonda. He however fervently denies that he is either sponsored or supported by Rtd. Maj Gen. Kahinda Otafiire.

He spoke with political journalist for The Investigator Fred Daka Kamwada in an interview in which he made some very interesting revelations as you will read below;

Q; can you please introduce yourself to the readers?

A; Yes, I am called Byaruhanga Didas Kaginda, born in a village called Mutala, Ruhinda county but found within Mitooma district. I am also a marketer by profession with a lot of experience in entrepreneurship.

Q; what makes you think you can manage to represent Ruhinda south constituency more effectively than your predecessors?

A; My confidence in providing effective representation to Ruhinda is derived from the fact that we have a big political vacuum in our constituency. There are so many things we should have had, which we have lost because of poor representation.

Our constituency has been dogged by bickering between our senior political leaders, thus distorting the whole mission. Besides I also derive my confidence to the fact that my father worked so much for this constituency.

He for instance managed to build Nyakita Boarding Primary School where many children including myself managed to acquire education. He was involved in a lot of developmental projects which many people will never forget about him.

So, I stand to prolong my father’s legacy of service to the people.

Q; Your father! Why do you think he has a high-profile relationship with the people of Ruhinda?

A; My father was called Jackson Kaginda. He served in former President Amin’s army before joining the NRA bush war led by Yoweri Museveni in early eighties. He retired in 1993 and embarked on developing his home area as the LC 3 chairman for very many years before he was summarily assassinated two years ago. The most painful thing is that since his untimely death, we have never had justice.

What I can tell you is that if he had possessed the required education, he would have been elected the Member of Parliament for Ruhinda. Nevertheless, they say better late than never and I, his son, have come to provide the effective representation and service he would have delivered.

Q; You want to go to Parliament yet you sound not to have experience save for that of your father?

A; I have a wealth of experience in business. I own a company called Forbes that exports labour to the external market which I started over two years ago.

We have so far exported over 200 youths to Dubai, Oman, Saudi Arabia and other Asian countries. This employment has changed the lives of so many youths many of whom hail from Mitooma. I am very proud to have changed the lives of so many of these youths. You can go there and verify these facts. You need no experience to identify people’s needs. I am already an experience of a leader myself.

Q; Who is your political mentor?

A; My father is my mentor.

Q; Why your father and not any other inspirational figure like Mandela, Nyerere, Obama or even Museveni?

A; It’s my father because he was a leader under my close watch. I saw him do practical things on the ground. I learnt almost everything I know from him. Why should I go for people like Obama or Mandela who were miles away from me? We learn from people around us. And I think my father is more of an iconic figure than anybody else in the world.

Q; Do you have faith in NRM and the leadership of President Yoweri Museveni?

A; Yes, absolutely yes! I strongly believe in him as the chairman of the party. There is no way I would run on the NRM ticket and still remain opposed against the party chairman. I think that wouldn’t add up.

Q; What programs do you want to bring up that were not done by your predecessors?

A; First of all, I want to tell the readers that our place is a very big coffee growing area. So, I feel obliged to lobby for the institution of cooperative society to first of all, eliminate the middlemen from exploiting our farmers. Secondly, the cooperatives will assist in the provision of marketing services, transportation services and in the creation of processing plants to add value to our products.

Q; Ruhinda is synonymous with the name of Kahinda Otafiire. Why do you think he lost to a little-known soldier in the previous election?

A; I don’t really want to discuss individuals. But I can tell you that people didn’t vote out Otafiire because of not performing. He was a very useful person to our communities to the extent that all the villages that voted for him have continued to enjoy services like water, electricity, well paved roads compared to villages which voted for Kahonda like Kabira and Nyamuyanja which don’t enjoy those services.

So, you can see how friction between the two political heads contributed to the backwardness of the area. You may wish to know that even today, Kahinda Otafiire Is still contributing to his people.

Q; Do you think Otafiire will bounce back?

A; I don’t want to go into the details but I think the people still love him. I think they had voted him out because of fatigue of seeing the same person in the same docket for many years. He was a victim of a lousy conspiracy of fatigue. But I think the people have realized how important he was and will certainly vote for him.

Q; are you running against him then?

A; No, he is running in another constituency whereas I am running in a newly created Ruhinda south constituency. So, there is no way of a clash between him and me.

Q; Are you a Kahinda Otafiire product then?

A; Not at all. He is not involved either remotely or directly in my political campaign. I am running my own show. Of course, I don’t rule out on the aspect of his moral support. But that is where it ends.

Q; what are your views about the Ugandan parliament? Do you for instance support things like lifting the age limits which were done by parliament?

A; Yes, I strongly support what parliament did in lifting the age limit. I even agree with the lifting of term limits because I belong to NRM.

Q; As a country, what should we expect from you?

A; Of course, you should expect effective representation from Byaruhanga Didas. I will undoubtedly add value to the Ugandan Parliament. There is no questions about that. Just watch the space. Thanks for your time.

Qn: Briefly tell us about Social Media FestUg?

A: The Social Media FestUg is an annual event organized by Spotlight Publications Ltd, the publishers of Business Focus (www.businessfocus.co.ug), interalia Independent Journalists Association-Ug (INDOJA-U) and Online Media Publishers Association (OMPA) in partnership with Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).

The maiden Social Media FestUg is a one-day event that will take place on 25^th January 2020 at Silver Springs Hotel Gardens in Bugolobi starting at 9am until late night. It will be full of fun, learning and networking.

The event will run under the theme “Redirecting Social Media to Impactful communication and Social Networking Engagements”.  The Guest of Honour is Hon. Judith Nabakooba, the new Minister for ICT & National Guidance.

Qn: Who’s invited to this exciting event?

A: The event will bring together government agencies,  individuals, social media groups, influencers, online platforms and bloggers, digital marketing agencies, various brands, organizations and social media end users under one roof to have fun, learn and network.

There will be free WiFi and everyone especially those on Social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and Twitter among others is invited but they must register in advance via this link;  https://bit.ly/2ucCBUM for better organization. It is an opportunity for social media users who communicate and know each other via virtual communication to have a one on one experience/interaction but also another opportunity for organizations and individuals to show case their digital innovations and physically engage with social media end users.

Qn: What key activities should one expect at the event?

A: A lot of activities are planned to take place including but not limited to  interactive sessions (E-conference), exhibitions, stage entertainment, Treasure hunt, Online Quiz, Virtual games, snap chatting, #tagging and Selfie challenges. Needless to say, there will be lots of drinks both hard and soft drinks at affordable prices. For instance, beers will go for 5k but Tusker Lite will be at a bucket basis of five bottles at 15k. There will also be a networking cocktail for stakeholders, exhibitors, sponsors and organizers.

Qn: Can you explain more about interactive sessions/e-conference? What should one expect about this particular segment?

A: We shall have experts discussing various topics relating to ICT and internet, PR Management, marketing and branding on social media platforms among others. Companies and Ugandans will learn more about the opportunities social media presents and how they can use the internet and social media platforms to make extra money.  One just needs to come early in the morning because we shall start with these sessions.

Among the topics to be discussed include a panel discussion about Online media regulation in relation to freedom of speech and expression by UCC, INDOJA -U and OMPA. There will also be a presentation on how digital media has impacted on main stream advertising by Daron -NextCom and brand positioning on social media by Aaron Musoke – Premier Advertising Agency will also be discussed.

Mr. Arinaitwe Rugyendo (CMO-Redpepper and Media Consultant) will be making a case of ‘Enhancing Private/Public Sector performance through social media marketing. Data Protection will be discussed by NITA-U, Copyright of digital innovations is by URSB but we also expect Public Relations Association of Uganda and Mr. Muhereza Kyamutetera, a city PR guru to make a case on PR and Crisis management on Social media among other topics from relevant facilitators.

Qn: At the end of the day, what do you expect one to get from the event?

A: The Social Media FestUg aims to streamline the social media industry towards effective and professional communication amongst users. It will also go a long way in boosting awareness and promotion of digital marketing and e-commerce amongst Ugandans.

It’s basically a day dedicated to celebrating social media milestones by doing a recap of social media lifestyle into real life experience under one roof but most importantly also teaching Ugandan youth how best social media can be used productively . We also envisage bringing together all digital media stakeholders to learn, buy, sell, network and share ideas.

Qn: Who are you partnering with to ensure the event is a success?

A: The main sponsors of the event are Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and the Ruparelia Group of Companies. Other key partners include National Information Technology Authority-Uganda-NITA-U (internet partner), Next Communication, NBS TV ,Nxt Radio, RedPepper (Media Partners) Extreme Music and Events (Event managers) and Uganda Breweries Ltd who will ensure revelers get drinks at attractive prices. Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), Ecobank and Davis & Shirtliff among others have already booked space to exhibit and showcase their various digital innovations and products.

Qn: Any last word for now?

A: I want to thank sponsors and partners who have believed in us on our first time of asking. Thank you very much! I also want to urge Ugandans who like to party, network and learn to make it a point and register in advance (via this link https://bit.ly/2ucCBUM) because we have a few slots left.

I also call upon other companies with digital products/services and those using social media platforms to better their service delivery to book space not only to exhibit but also network and get feedback from end users of their products physically. For companies that want to exhibit or any inquiries, please feel free to contact me, Amon Baita via: 0774037962

Time check is 9:38am when the gates to the palatial home at Plot 15, Prince Charles Drive Kololo Hill, opens for our entry. In the compound, two other guests appear from their moderate cars to join us (me and my colleague George). One is familiar. He’s Eagle Online boss Richard Wanambwa. We later learn both are close family friends. In the living room, a popular face of a lady elegantly dressed in a maroon linen suit with a true morning smile emerges from the inner corridors. Upon pleasantries, she announces that “The Chairman (Mohan Kiwanuka as addressed by all in the house), would join us shortly,” The lady is tycoon Mohan Musisi Kiwanuka’s wife, Maria Nabasirye Kiwana Kiwanuka.

Indeed, in a minute, the average size, tall, dark-skinned and cheery human structure of tycoon Mohan Kiwanuka gently walks in. Dressed in a brown pair of trousers and unbuttoned jacket calmly lying on a cream shirt smartly tacked into a well-pressed pair of slacks, he stretches out his hand to greet each of us; “I’m Mohan, you’re all most welcome. Please take your seats,” he permits. Cross-legged with both hands resting on his laps, he calmly beckons one of the two visitors to proceed.

The reason for this meeting is for the Investigator website to get the other side of Mohan’s story right from the horse’s mouth, the visitor (names withheld on request) announces before he asks me to take the floor. “It is in regard to the story of your family unrest Mr. Kiwanuka. In just about three years, you’re reportedly putting almost all your property on market. Why this abrupt?” I shoot my first question.

The story

The visibly calm, well composed Mohan clears his voice, sits up in his leather couch and points towards us, swinging his finger sideways, “The problem starts from that chair. That’s where Jordan rests in his free time when he’s here. We look at that position as his in this house. He is the author of the said unrest in my family,” he says, carefully picking his words and checking his tone, then he pauses…

“You see, when you retire home with Shs50, it is not the same amount you have in the morning. It is of course less, so I never keep money, neither do I bank it. I keep all my money in land. The population increase but land stays. The more people increase, the more land gains value. When I need liquid money, I point nowhere but my land… that’s where I get money to do other things that require cash.”

The visitor interjects, trying to show the need for money to settle the several debts at hand…, but I don’t let him as I signal Mohan to tell his own story… “Of course, sure, as any other serious businessman, I have debts and I use money from land to clear them. All my life time, I have been paying my debts using money from my properties and even Jordan knows it because he has signed on some sale agreements before when he was still a signatory,” he stops, his lightly squeezed eyes roaming through us, probably to see his message sinking in as he waits for another shoot.

“But Jordan is representing his siblings and their mother Beatrice whom you also want to throw out of the marital home! Don’t you have other assets to sell than hers?” He looks at me as if reading his answer from my forehead… “Mr. Ndawula, first, you have misplaced the word ‘marital home’ because I haven’t stayed with Beatrice for over 35 years. I am officially married to one wife (swings his left hand in the same direction) here, Maria Kiwanuka.”

He further says that actually, upon his mother’s death recently, he advised Beatrice to use his fallen mother’s house in Kamwokya and let out hers in Kololo, for her upkeep. “I had someone who wanted to give her USD5, 000 per month and my advice was simple. ‘Now that you’re aging, you need not to hustle,’ but the only answer from her was; ‘who sleeps in Kamwokya.” He totally dismisses the eviction allegation.

Going back to Jordan, the visibly irritated Mohan shakes his head in disbelief. “Actually, the whole thing is about Jordan himself. He represents nobody in the tricks of grabbing my property. I know and surely trust that his siblings will one day realize the truth that he’s doing everything for personal and selfish gains…” he turns to the newest comer and personal lawyer, Faisal Mukasa with directives; “please share my letter to Jordan with Mr. Ndawula. He will then understand me better on this.”

“But why push Jordan so hard to the extent of pouring hips of sand at his work premises’ entrance?” Sliding back in his seat, he shakes his head again, intensely disgusted. “What would you do? First, he has occupied that property for four years without my permission. I had personally asked him as a father, out of those premises on several occasions but with little success until when I handed the matter to my lawyers. Before that, he was forcefully occupying another property on Plot 11 Ngabo road [in Kololo]. He only left when I sold it off.”

“When was the climax that made you fire him as Company Secretary to Visa Investments, coupled with the desire to throw him out of your properties”? He pulls up, rests his elbows onto his knees as he leans forward with both hands free to swing in motion. “Jordan has occupied the property where his ‘seven trees’ is for ten years without remitting any monies. I asked him to leave some years ago but he stubbornly refused until recently when he humiliated me.” He closes his eyes, lightly shaking his head in disbelief-like thought of what had happened.

I turn to the nameless visitor who narrates thus; “Recently, the retired Chief Justice Wako Wambuzi had a function and had several months back, booked the venue. Chairman had notified Jordan on time and instructed him not to book in any event on that day. To his surprise, in the middle of Justice Wambuzi’s speech, loud music abruptly disrupted him. Jordan had booked in a wedding on the same day.”

“I have gone through a lot with Jordan. He has so far put caveats on over 50 of my properties. It all started when I asked him to leave the two assets which have not yielded any income for the last 10 years. That’s when he declared me lunatic, mad and vegetable. I am not in a vegetative state as you can see. I can still respond to my senses and command my feelings. He has dragged me to court over several allegations. He at one time dared me to sell off my factory and clear debts! How then can he purport to be fighting to save the same?”

Though she kept steadily firm in her seat, attentively listening like a stranger to her husband’s narrations, Maria Nabasirye Kiwana Kiwanuka remains a power to reckon on in her family. Even when he was telling his own story, Mohan would occasionally steal a glance at her, in a gesture to confirm he was still on the right truck of what exactly was the question… and at all times, she would firmly nod in strong approval of his command of the story.

“You’ve been quiet all this time yet out there, it’s you commanding your husband to do all what he does against your step children”? She wears her signature cheerful smile, composes self in a true gesture of an African woman speaking after her husband. “It also surprises me that the son I have brought up with all requisites of a good child can smear me before the public. The good thing is you have listened to the Chairman for close to an hour and he has personally responded to you without a single guidance from me. Another thing is he has a string of lawyers and legal advisors. I am not one of them.”

“Well, Mr. Kiwanuka, is it true you have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and how, if yes, has it affected you?” he pauses, clears his voice but before he speaks, Maria sets in; “Actually that question is…” (Mohan interjects), “Of course, sure, it is a sensitive question. However, any sane person above 45 years make regular medical tests. The results, whether positive or negative, doesn’t mean one is a vegetable already.”

“Mr. Chairman, we also have it that you’re eventually disowning your children?” In almost a dying tone of a whisper to himself, he answers. “Of course, sure. That one… Jordan Ssebuliba is not my biological son. Beatrice was my girlfriend but along the way, she fell in love with her boss of the time and Jordan is the product of that affair. Her other children are mine.”

Asked whether Jordan was aware and when he made it known to him, Mohan simply replies thus; “When he was of age. He knows it. It’s unfortunate he is treating me like this but he knows it. He is not alone, I have other kids I have brought up like my own. It is sad…,” He leans back, in justifiably a retiring posture, signaling the end of the interview.

Maria now checks her wrist watch and reminds the husband of a certain meeting. “Gentlemen, I think I will see you off. I have another meeting at the factory. Mr. Mukasa should provide you with all necessary documents save for those that might affect the legal proceedings in court.”

The couple walked us into the parking lot but before they jump into respective rides for their next destination, Maria stops, looks at me for a second, smiles and announces; “Mr. Investigator, that’s the lot of dirt in my closet. True description of my dirty linen indeed. As you have seen, I’m actually not offended…” to be continued…

Below is Mohan’s verbatim letter to Jordan

17^th June 2019

Mr. Jordan Sebuliba Kiwanuka

Kololo – Kampala

My Son

DEMAND FOR VACANT POSSESSION FRV FOLIO 20 PLOT 21-29 GOLF COURSE ROAD, KOLOLO AND PLOT 10 AKII BUA AVENUE NAKASERO.

I have been forced to pen this missive to you to make you understand my reasons behind the position I have taken with regard to my above properties among others.

You should know me well enough by now to understand that under any other circumstances, I would not have to explain my reasons to you or anybody else for that matter.

The reasons I am doing this is because you decided to blow my decision to take back my properties out of proportion and to portray me amongst your siblings and other relatives as being inconsiderate and unreasonable, which is not true.

You will recall that you moved into the above properties without my knowledge and or permission, which no other sibling of yours has ever done. You occupied those properties for the last ten (10) years on commercial basis generating money therefrom without any accountability and without paying rent.

You knew from the beginning that I acquired those properties as commercial investments and not charity. On several occasions, I have verbally asked you in a parental manner to make arrangements to return the properties back to me for proper management but you turned a deaf hear.

It is therefore not true that the notice from my lawyers came unexpectedly or was a surprise. You knew I needed you out of these properties many years back.

I was taken aback recently when you dared to suggest to my face that I should close up and sell my factory! Jordan, I was greatly disappointed and hurt. You cannot fathom where I have come from to achieve whatever I have achieved and for you, you have the audacity to dare to suggest that I should sell my factory because in your view, I can no longer manage to run it, was an insult to say the least.

In light of your ill-advised actions, I have come to learn how you have been trying to influence my staff behind my back to stop them from working on Saturdays and how you deducted payments from the security staff without you declaring it. This is a direct interference with my workers and intermeddling in my work which I cannot continue to tolerate.

After your ill-fated advice or directive for the sale of my factory, you instigated people who claimed to be KCCA enforcements people to come to the factory on or about the 21^st May 2019 and threatened to close the factory for unpaid dues. Fortunately I had previously given a payment schedule to KCCA which they had accepted but their response was received at your office and [you] never forwarded to me.

There are a number of other unpleasant incidents I could mention but I hope the above gives you a sense of my feelings and the reasons behind my decision.

I gave you the best education and upbringing just like all your siblings. In return, I have not seen any particular moment where you have shown care for me, your father but only insatiable desire to grab whatever you can lay your hands on.

Lastly, I want you and your siblings to know that I made my investments on my own business instincts which most people could not appreciate at the time but turned out as well as I had anticipated. I now need those properties and it will be decent of you to hand them back to me without the embarrassment of resorting to auctioneers or any other forceful methods for that matter. By copy of this letter, my lawyers are hereby instructed to follow through my instructions to the letter.

Your Dad [signature] … Cc M/s Buwule & Mayiga Advocates.