By Dean Lubowa Saava
The legacy of Bulaimu Muwanga Kibirige, one of Uganda’s most celebrated businessmen, is on shaky ground. BMK, a self-made entrepreneur, built a vast business empire that spanned hospitality, real estate, and trade, with Hotel Africana as his flagship investment.
However, since his passing in 2021, his empire has been plagued by bitter family feuds and legal battles.
At the heart of the conflict is BMK’s eldest son, Ali Muwanga Kibirige, who was named as the heir to his father’s business empire in his will. Ali has been locked in a series of court battles with his siblings and stepmother, including a recent loss in a Court of Appeal case over a prime property in Buziga.
The ruling allows Yako Bank to sell the property as part of a loan dispute, which Ali claims was acquired fraudulently by his younger brother, Haruna Kalule Muwanga.
The Kibirige family’s troubles are not unique. In Uganda, the demise of a business patriarch often triggers family wrangles, leading to the downfall of once-thriving enterprises.
The cases of Andrew Kasagga and Godfrey Mabirizi, whose construction and real estate empires crumbled after their passing, serve as cautionary tales.
At the root of the problem is a lack of clear succession planning. Family businesses in Uganda need stronger governance structures to ensure stability.
As the fate of BMK’s empire hangs in the balance, one thing is certain – Hotel Africana remains a beacon of his vision, but for how long? Only time will tell if BMK’s family can reconcile and preserve his legacy.
