On December 5, 2023, social media platforms buzzed with reports claiming that the residence of Barbara Nekesa, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Treasurer, had been burgled, with an unspecified amount of money stolen.
Initially, various media outlets suggested differing amounts allegedly lost in the robbery, ranging from 400 million to 3 billion Ugandan Shillings. However, an independent investigation later revealed that the incident was a collaboration between Nekesa’s residential guard and other perpetrators with alleged ties to security personnel. According to reports, the actual amount lost by Nekesa amounted to 41.5 million Shillings, as per her statement to the police.
The narrative painted in some media circles aimed to portray Nekesa as living a lavish lifestyle in Muyenga, insinuating that her possessions, including her home and apartments, were acquired through illicit means. Contrary to these claims, Nekesa’s husband, Lumolo Suleiman Mafabi, is a successful businessman with diverse business interests, and their residence was constructed between 2014 and 2016, predating her tenure as NRM Treasurer.
Furthermore, accusations regarding apartments owned by Nekesa were debunked, as these properties existed prior to her appointment and had been leased out to tenants since 2021.
Shortly after the robbery, social media platforms erupted with speculative reports, even before official investigations had concluded. Questions arose regarding the timing of these posts and their alignment with ongoing police inquiries, raising suspicions about the motives behind the dissemination of false information.
Claims of a “shamba boy” aiding the thieves were refuted, with evidence suggesting that Nekesa’s residential guard facilitated the break-in, coercing a maid to grant access to the intruders. The evolving figures surrounding the alleged stolen amount further fueled skepticism, with no concrete evidence, such as photographs or recovered cash, surfacing to substantiate these claims.
Contrary to the sensationalized accounts, the truth of the matter revealed a coordinated effort by Nekesa’s guard to orchestrate the robbery, as evidenced by the tampering of CCTV cameras and the guard’s collusion with the thieves.
Insights into Nekesa’s actions as NRM Treasurer shed light on her efforts to address longstanding issues within the party, including clearing salary arrears for staff, which had previously stretched up to 40 months. Her initiatives, such as advocating for the construction of party offices at the district level to reduce rental expenses, have brought financial stability to various NRM branches.
In addition, her refusal to entertain dubious requests for new cars and her focus on prudent financial management have marked a departure from past practices within the NRM Secretariat, challenging entrenched interests and fostering transparency.
Ultimately, the purported robbery at Nekesa’s residence underscores not only the complexities of internal politics but also the importance of discerning truth from speculation in the age of social media.
