Mubende Widow Esther Seeks Justice Amid Claims of Power Abuse by Aide to Mubende Municipal MP

In Mubende, Uganda, the ongoing legal dispute between Abdul Juuko, also known as Butodene, and a widow named Nantumbwe Esther highlights significant issues within the country’s legal and social systems, particularly concerning the protection of vulnerable individuals against the misuse of power and influence. This case underscores the challenges of seeking justice when powerful connections come into play.

The case began on June 27, 2014, when Esther, a widow struggling to support her two children following the death of her husband, Mr. Jose, in 2012, lent 2 million Ugandan shillings to Juuko Abdul, also known as Butodene, and his associate, Kawuma Fahad, known as Prince K. These two journalists, who were then employed at Fire FM 93.5 and Heart FM, convinced Esther to invest in their business venture, T One Studio, with the promise of monthly payments of 30,000 shillings and a full repayment within a year.

However, the arrangement quickly deteriorated by Butodene taking full control of T One Studio and sidelining his associates, including Prince K and Kawuma Charles, also known as Kawunga, the East Division Mayor. This led to a new agreement in which Butodene promised to repay the 2 million shillings by deducting 200,000 shillings monthly from his salary at Heart FM. This agreement, witnessed and signed by his supervisor, Pastor Kisakye Charles, was only partially honored. After making just two payments totaling 400,000 shillings, Butodene left Heart FM for a position at Point FM, and all payments ceased.

Esther’s attempts to seek legal redress were met with significant obstacles, she reported the matter to the police, Butodene evaded summons and even destroyed the agreement, confident that his connections would protect him from repercussions. Esther recalls a phone conversation where Butodene allegedly boasted about his influence, stating, “I’m a big name in Mubende, and I work with Honorable. Even if you put me in jail, I’ll get out quickly and still won’t pay you back.”

Adding to the complexity of the situation, a journalist named Ssekejja, who first reported on Esther’s plight after hearing her cries for justice, is now living in fear. Ssekejja, an online journalist, has received threatening phone calls from Juuko, who was angry that the story was published without his consent. This further highlights the risks faced by those who seek to expose injustices in environments where power dynamics are skewed.

The Constitution of Uganda, under Article 21, asserts that “all persons are equal before and under the law in all spheres of political, economic, social, and cultural life and in every other respect and shall enjoy equal protection of the law.” This includes protection against discrimination and the abuse of power. Additionally, Article 26 guarantees the right to own property and to seek compensation when one’s property or resources are unjustly exploited by others.

In Esther’s case, these constitutional protections appear to have been compromised by the power dynamics at play. Despite her efforts to involve the police, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC)’s office, and even Hon. Bashir Lubega Sempa, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Mubende Municipality and Butodene’s superior, she has yet to see justice served. Hon. Bashir’s role in this situation is particularly significant, as his actions or inactions send a message to his constituents about the enforcement of justice. When Esther sought his help, she was advised to wait for his return to Mubende Municipality, but her subsequent attempts to contact him were ignored. This inaction not only exacerbates Esther’s predicament but also erodes public confidence in the legal and political systems meant to protect them.

This case is not an isolated incident in Uganda, where the misuse of power and connections often undermines justice. Similar instances, such as the misappropriation of public funds or the manipulation of legal processes by those with political influence, have been reported. For example, in 2012, the case of former Vice President Gilbert Bukenya, who was accused of abuse of office in the procurement of vehicles for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), highlighted how political connections can be used to evade accountability. Although Bukenya was initially arrested and charged, the case was eventually dropped, raising questions about the fairness and impartiality of Uganda’s legal system.  Another notable case involved the late Hon. Ibrahim Abiriga, who was accused of violating traffic regulations and discharging a firearm in public. Despite the severity of the offenses, Abiriga’s connections allowed him to avoid significant legal repercussions, illustrating the challenges ordinary citizens face when seeking justice against powerful individuals.

Esther’s case highlights broader issues of legal accountability and the protection of vulnerable citizens in Uganda. The Constitution provides for equal treatment and protection under the law, but when political influence overrides these principles, the rule of law is weakened. This not only affects individual cases like Esther’s but also erodes public trust in legal and political institutions.

For the people of Mubende Municipality, Hon. Bashir’s conduct in this matter could undermine their trust in his ability to represent their interests effectively. When an MP, expected to champion justice and fairness, fails to address such grievances, it sends a message that those with connections to power can act with impunity, leaving ordinary citizens without recourse.

As of now, Esther remains determined to recover the 2 million shillings she lent in good faith—money that has been used to generate income for Butodene through T One Studio. The financial and emotional toll on her has been significant, as she continues to travel from Myanzi in Kasanda district to Mubende district, spending 25,000 shillings each time, in her quest for justice. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by many in similar situations, where the scales of justice are often tipped in favor of those with influence and power.

The ongoing saga involving Butodene’s debt to Esther is a crucial test of Uganda’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of all citizens, regardless of their social or political standing. The resolution of this case will not only impact Esther’s life but also serve as a barometer for the effectiveness of Uganda’s legal system in ensuring justice for all.

 Author: Wabusimba Amiri

Diplomatic Student, Political Analyst, and Human Rights Activist