Yasin Kawuma’s family members feud over Museveni money

Singer Catherine Kusasira (2nd right) in meeting with the family members of the late Yasin Kawuma. PHOTO BY MICHAEL KAKUMIRIZI

What you need to know:

  • Mr Ssebabi had suggested that they construct rental houses which would generate sustainable income to cater for the basic needs of the orphans and their mothers.
  • Kawuma was shot dead on August 13 in Arua in the Bobi Wine’s car.
  • President Museveni gave them Shs20m.

Kampala. The widows of slain Kyadondo East MP Robert Kyagulanyi’s driver, Yasin Kawuma have clashed with their father-in-law over the Shs20m, that President Museveni handed over to them.
An argument started after singer Catherine Kusasira put the money on table with one of Kavuma’s widows, a mother of three, Annet Nansubuga, claiming that their father-in-law, Mr Salamat Ssebabi could not be trusted with the money.

Her emotions had been triggered by a statement from Mr Ssebabi, that beneficiaries of the money would only be those whose children had been proven to be Kawuma’s children with a DNA test.
At this moment, Nansubuga jumped off her seat screaming and rolling on the ground saying the money had been put to waste if it was retained by Mr Ssebabi.

“I have never seen that man (Ssebabi) in eight years I have been with late Kavuma. He is a rich man but he does not care for us. I and my children have been starved of food since the death of my husband,” Nansubuga said as Mr Ssebabi held the money firmly.
After a lot of thought, he pulled a bundle of Shs 2m and handed it to Nansubuga warning her never to appear before him even in times of trouble.

Mr Ssebabi had suggested that they construct rental houses which would generate sustainable income to cater for the basic needs of the orphans and their mothers.
His view had been supported by one of the widows, Ms Alice Mwesigwa, who said that she has three of Kawuma’s children with the youngest being 14 years of age and the eldest 19.
“Sharing that money here will not only deprive the rest of the wives who are not here but also will jeopardise the proposed project,” Ms Mwesigwa said.

But other wives present – Beatrice Nakigudde and Florence Nakibuule – disapproved and eventually Mr Ssebabi pulled out another Shs6m and shared it equally among the women.
Three other unidentified women were also said to have not been informed about the meeting and so were not present.
Ms Mweigwa said seven women are known to be widows of Kawuma with 11 children already registered.
Mr Ssebabi insisted that all the said children would be subjected to DNA tests.

Singer Kusasira said that from the brawl she witnessed, President Museveni ought to give more money to the family.
“President Museveni, as our grandfather, you have seen the dire need of this family. They need more support,” the Sonyiwa Bano singer said.
Kawuma was shot dead on August 13 in Arua in the Bobi Wine’s car. His killing preceded fracas on the last campaign day of Arua Municipality by-elections where President Museveni said, opposition stoned his motorcade.