Seven Months Later, Museveni’s Promise to Clear Lwasa’s Debts Still Unfulfilled

It has been seven months since President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni promised to settle a substantial loan for Masaka businessman Emmanuel Lwasa Kaweesi, but the debt remains unpaid. Lwasa, the owner of Club Tarven Kick, is still waiting for the president to fulfill his pledge to clear the Shs 700 million in arrears owed to Equity Bank.

In March 2024, during a fundraising event in Lwengo for the construction of a mosque, Museveni assured Lwasa that his Shs 700 million loan for the nightclub’s construction would be covered. Club Tarven Kick, a prominent building along the Masaka-Mbarara highway, was opened in 2016, and Lwasa took a loan to complete the project. The three-story structure, valued at Shs 3 billion, boasts 21 self-contained rooms and modern amenities, making it a landmark in Masaka City.

Despite Museveni’s commitment, Lwasa says he has received no financial assistance. “I have tried to secure an appointment with the president for further discussions, but so far, I haven’t been successful,” Lwasa shared.

The Struggles of a Veteran Entrepreneur

Lwasa, 54, is not only a businessman but also a former soldier who served in Uganda’s National Resistance Army (NRA). His military career spanned 10 years, and he was awarded two gold medals for his service in 1986. “I met President Museveni during my time in the NRA,” Lwasa said. “He is a special leader who has empowered many young Ugandans to serve their country.”

After retiring from the army in 1994, Lwasa ventured into business. His nightclub, Club Tarven Kick, quickly became a popular spot in Masaka. However, the loan he took out for its construction has become a burden. Equity Bank has threatened to auction the building if the debt is not settled soon.

Museveni’s promise of financial relief in March gave Lwasa hope. At the time, the president instructed Lwasa to work with the then-permanent secretary, Kenneth Omona, to finalize the payment. But in a recent cabinet reshuffle, Omona was replaced, and Lwasa’s efforts to follow up with State House officials have hit a dead end.

“I’ve made countless attempts to get the loan settled as promised, but there has been no response,” Lwasa lamented. His frustrations are compounded by the fact that his business is at risk of being seized by the bank. “My only hope now is the president’s intervention,” he added.

A Long-Awaited Resolution

Lwasa’s financial troubles have also impacted his political aspirations. Born to the late Angella Kigona and Joseph Kaweesi of Kyabakuza village, Lwasa had hoped to contest for the Masaka City Mayorship in the 2021 elections. He wanted to restore the glory of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) in the area, but his financial woes derailed his plans.

He remains loyal to President Museveni and continues to praise him as a visionary leader. “President Museveni has led this country to stability, much like Jesus Christ sacrificed himself for our salvation,” Lwasa said during a recent interview.

For now, Lwasa remains in limbo, waiting for the promised funds that could save his nightclub from the auction block. As the weeks turn into months, it remains to be seen whether Museveni will honor his pledge and help one of his longtime supporters regain his financial footing.

Meanwhile, Club Tarven Kick sits precariously under the shadow of an impending bank takeover, its fate uncertain as Lwasa waits for a lifeline from the country’s highest office.