By Sekaggya Seka Moses
Mubende, Uganda – Abdul Juuko, alias Butodene, Public Relations Officer to Hon. Bashir Lubega Ssempa, Member of Parliament for Mubende Municipal, faces legal action over a 2 million shilling debt owed to widow Nantumbwe Esther.
Background of the Loan
On June 27, 2014, Butodene and colleague Kawuma Fahad, alias Prince K, borrowed 2 million shillings from Esther to fund their audio recording business, T One Studio.
They reached out to Esther, a loyal listener of Fire FM 98.3, where they worked.
Esther joined the Fire FM fans club, where she met Butodene and Prince K. They proposed their business idea, and Esther agreed to lend them the money.
The Agreement
The agreement stipulated monthly profits of 30,000 shillings for Esther, with full repayment within a year.
However, Butodene defaulted as he was working at Heart FM 102.3 taking over T One Studio, forcing Prince K out. Prince K reported the issue to Heart FM’s Director, Pr. Charles Kisakye.
New Agreement and Default
Butodene accepted responsibility for the debt and signed a new agreement to pay 2,360,000 shillings. He agreed to deduct 200,000 shillings from his salary for Esther. The second agreement was signed by:
- Butodene (debtor)
- Prince K (former business partner)
- Pastor Andrew Kitandwe (witness, from Miracle Center Mityana)
By signing this agreement, Butodene acknowledged his debt and committed to repaying Esther. However, he paid only 400,000 shillings over two months before leaving Heart FM for Point FM.
Consequences of Default
Esther tried to contact Butodene, but he ignored her.
Esther reported the case to police, but Butodene dodged summons. He tore the agreement, unaware Esther had copies.
Threat and Intimidation
According to Esther, Butodene threatened her during a phone conversation.
“I’m a big name in Mubende, and I work with Honourable ,” he allegedly said.
“Even if you put me in jail, I’ll get out quickly and still won’t pay you back. My connections will ensure my release, and I’ll still refuse to pay.” quoted Esther while speaking to binocularug.com
Butodene implied his connections would protect him, mocking Esther’s efforts to seek justice.
“Instead of going to police or reporting me to rdc, just beg me to pay you,” Esther quoted Butodene as saying.
“My powerful friends will get me out of jail, and I still won’t pay. You’ll waste your time and money seeking justice.”
Esther felt scared and hopeless after Butodene’s threats. She believed his influential connections and reputation made him feel above the law.
Widow Esther’s Struggle
Nantumbwe Esther was married to Mr. Jose, and they had two children. Unfortunately, Mr. Jose died in a 2012 accident.
Esther has struggled to support her children since then. Her elder daughter, Whitney, sat for S.4 exams last year but required a 600,000 shilling loan from Feed Africa in Mubende, which remains unpaid. Her younger son, Nelson, struggles in P.6.
RDC Intervention
Esther reported the issue to the Resident District Commissioner’s (RDC) office. Deputy RDC Birungi AbuBaker handled the case.
A letter summoned Butodene to the RDC’s office, which he received and signed.
Butodene acknowledged the debt and promised to pay in installments starting May this year but failed to follow through.
Hon. Bashir Lubega Ssempa’s Involvement
Esther contacted Hon. Bashir Lubega Ssempa, who bought a camera for Butodene to cover his activities as mp in Mubende Municipal.
Esther explained the situation, and Hon. Bashir advised her to wait for his return to Mubende Municipal. Upon his return, Esther’s calls went unanswered.
Current Situation
Butodene continues to earn from T One Studio, built with Esther’s loan money.
At RDC’s office Butodene was called via phone, and agreed to pay 100,000 shillings weekly specifically on Tuesday, starting August 27, 2024 and phone recordings are available. However, the week ended without payment.
Esther’s Plea
Widow Nantumbwe Esther seeks justice, urging authorities to hold Butodene accountable for the debt.
She spends 25,000 shillings to Mubende district from Myanzi in Kasanda district seeking justice each time she travels.
Esther wants her 2 million shillings back, earned by Butodene through T One Studio.
The saga continues, and we will keep our readers informed about any future developments concerning Butodene’s response to the allegations.
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