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How a Serial Fraudster Operates Under the Protection of a 40-Year Dictatorship
By Alexander Luyima
For nearly three decades, Sam Kutessa has stood at the heart of some of Uganda’s most brazen corruption scandals — and yet, somehow, he remains untouchable.
Why? Because his survival is guaranteed by President Yoweri Museveni’s regime — a dictatorship built on patronage, impunity, and the systematic looting of state resources.
Kutessa and Museveni – A Partnership of Plunder
Kutessa’s cozy relationship with Museveni’s inner circle isn’t a coincidence — it’s a calculated alliance.
Over the years, multiple investigations and leaked documents have exposed a troubling pattern:
1995 Share Scandal – Kutessa was accused of fraudulently acquiring and undervaluing shares, later selling them to Salim Saleh (Museveni’s brother) and himself. Parliament exposed the scam, but Museveni’s government blocked any prosecution.
1997 Charlton Hotel Bribe – A parliamentary committee found that Kutessa solicited between $2–6 million in bribes. Despite the overwhelming evidence, the case was quietly quashed by the state.
2005 UDCL Privatization “Robbery” – Kutessa reappeared in the shady privatization of Uganda Direct Operations Limited (UDCL), a deal auditors called “daylight theft.” Smartmatic Inc., a company linked to him, was illegally awarded a contract after being disqualified by the PPDA. Who intervened? High-ranking officials from Museveni’s own office.
Museveni’s Protection Racket
Kutessa doesn’t just get lucky — he thrives because Museveni’s regime runs a protection racket for its loyal cronies.
1. Judicial Manipulation – Every time Kutessa faces prosecution, the case mysteriously collapses. In 1997, an anti-corruption court acquitted him despite overwhelming evidence — a pattern seen in virtually every major corruption case under Museveni.
2. Parliamentary Cover-Ups – Multiple committees have named Kutessa in their reports, but Museveni’s majority in Parliament makes sure those reports vanish into political oblivion.
3. Family Ties – Kutessa’s long-standing dealings with Salim Saleh — Museveni’s brother and one of Uganda’s most notorious shadow businessmen — prove his protection comes directly from the top.
The Ballot Fraud Machine – How Kutessa Helps Keep Museveni in Power
Kutessa’s most dangerous role isn’t just stealing public funds — it’s manipulating Uganda’s elections to entrench Museveni’s rule.
2009 Voter Register Scam ($15M) – Kutessa was named in a scheme to alter voter data. No investigation ever took place.
2020 Lithotech Ballot Scandal – A company linked to Kutessa pocketed $1 million in a shady ballot-printing deal. Incredibly, it still won another contract in 2021. This is how Museveni “wins” elections before a single vote is cast.
Western Hypocrisy – Funding Dictatorship While Preaching Democracy
The U.S., UK, and EU know exactly how Uganda’s elections are rigged — yet they continue to:
Fund Museveni’s military (the same forces that shoot unarmed protesters).
Pour money into oil deals (while turning a blind eye to billions looted from the public purse).
Issue lukewarm statements (while Kutessa and others loot freely).
This is the double standard that allows dictatorship to flourish while ordinary Ugandans suffer.
Conclusion – Uganda Deserves Better
Sam Kutessa is just one face of Museveni’s sprawling corruption empire. For 40 years, this regime has stolen from the poor, silenced critics, and sold Uganda’s future to the highest bidder.
But history has a long memory and it rarely forgives thieves. The day will come when Museveni, his family, and enablers like Kutessa will face justice… whether in a courtroom or in the streets.
#MuseveniMustGo #EndImpunity #FreeUganda
Published in the Hoima Post – 9 August 2025
By Alexander Luyima
