How Kampala pastor was fleeced of shs700m in bogus tv licence deal
Police in Kampala have kicked off a manhunt for a man who fleeced a Kampala pastor of shs700 million in a bogus deal to get him two licences for his TV stations from Uganda Communications Commission.Jed Daniel Kabanda is currently on the run after conning Bishop Grivas Kiwanuka Musisi, the lead pastor at Prayer Palace Kibuye of shs700 million after duping that he was an employee of UCC and that he would help him acquire two licences but also equipment for his two tv stations.This website has learnt that between 2020 and 2024, Bishop Kiwanuka sought to get two licences for Dunamis Radio and Dunamis TV and in the process, he was introduced to Jed Kabanda Daniel who would help him fastrack the two licences as well as equipment.Kabanda introduced himself as a telecommunication engineer attached and employed by UCC and that he had allegedly been deployed to supervise the payments and operational machinery for the pastor’s television station.The pastor was consequently asked to pay shs1 billion and was allowed to pay it in installments of shs200 million and shs100 million.This website has learnt that in one of the meeting, Kabanda introduced his wife, Ritah Namalwa as a personal assistant to the UCC Executive Director.Following this meeting, the pastor was persuaded to pay shs150 million since “ he had now talked directly to the PA of the UCC boss.”However, after paying the shs700 million, the lead pastor at Prayer Palace Church sought to ascertain the status of his licence application and consequently wrote to UCC.He was astonished to find out that he had been fleeced after UCC wrote back to him indicating they had never received his applications and that the said people had never been their employees.“According to the Commission’s records, the Commission has never received and/or otherwise granted any license for any entity to operate a television station under the name Dunamis TV. The Commission does not have any employee by the name Kabanda Eddy Daniel,” UCC wrote to the pastor.“All the documents that were attached on your letter, including the invoices and receipts that were purportedly issued to your clients by the Commission are forgeries. The Commission has no record of any account that was opened in the name of Dunamis TV and no payment has ever been received from and/or on account of the said non-existent entity.”Consequently, a General Inquiry File was opened up at police leading to the arrest of Namalwa.Kampala Metropolitan deputy police spokesperson, Luke Owoyesigyire confirmed the arrest of Namalwa and the hunt for Kabanda.“We are looking for him for directly receiving the money. The file is being handled by Kampala Metropolitan East but soon will be submitted to the office of the Resident State Attorney for perusal and advice,” Owoyesigyire said.“We however ask members of the public to always do due diligence before entering any money transaction but also make use of lawyers.”He appealed to anyone with information leading to the arrest of the pastor to provide it to police. https://www.ugbulletin.co.ug/how-kampala-pastor-was-fleeced-of-shs700m-in-bogus-tv-licence-deal/
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Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
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Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum