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A bitter public exchange has erupted between prominent Ugandan activist Kakwenza Rukirabashaija and Ambassador Adonia Ayebare, Uganda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, after Kakwenza accused Ayebare of corruption linked to a diplomatic bank account under scrutiny by Citibank N.A. and possibly the FBI.
Kakwenza took to Twitter on Monday evening to post explosive claims, asserting that President Yoweri Museveni was shielding Ayebare due to “corruption! FBI investigations!”
His tweet included a copy of an official letter from Citibank addressed to Ramathan Ggoobi, Uganda’s Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Treasury, raising concerns over an account titled “Permanent Mission of Uganda to the United Nations (NAM & G77)”, which had been opened on December 6, 2023, and closed just eight months later on August 28, 2024.
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The signatories listed on the account were Ambassador Adonia Ayebare, Jesse Musinguzi and Ronald Matovu, with Citibank seeking clarification from the Ministry of Finance over discrepancies in the transactions compared to what had been expected when the account was first set up.
In response, Ayebare hit back with his own social media post, accusing Kakwenza of being an extortionist and urging the public to disregard any fake information he may be circulating online.
He shared WhatsApp chat screenshots he claimed showed Kakwenza repeatedly contacting him for money, including messages sent at unusual hours and accompanied by emojis, with Kakwenza allegedly saying, “Ok sir, bambe kindly help me” followed by praying hands.
In the same thread, he provided evidence of Kakwenza's alleged attempts to solicit money from him, including a message where he advised her to call him early in the morning at 6am because he would be busy during the day in COP meetings.
Ayebare described him as “sick and corrupt” and urged people not to be misled by what he called fabrications on his Twitter handle and other platforms.
The letter from Citibank N.A., dated March 24, 2025, outlines the bank’s concerns about the financial operations of the Ugandan mission and seeks confirmation from the Ministry of Finance that the account was opened lawfully and that all disbursements and receipts were compliant with Ugandan laws and internal ministry regulations.
The bank noted that it usually considers the head of each diplomatic mission as the beneficial owner and decision-maker but reaches out to senior government officials when irregularities arise. The letter also confirmed that account statements had already been shared with the current Financial Officer of the mission, adding weight to the seriousness of the inquiry.
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As the war of words intensifies between the two figures, many Ugandans are left questioning the integrity of their country’s diplomatic missions abroad and whether those entrusted with representing Uganda on the global stage are acting in the national interest or personal gain.
With the Ministry of Finance yet to issue an official statement and the FBI reportedly involved, the situation remains fluid and politically charged.
While supporters of Ayebare have dismissed Kakwenza’s allegations as a smear campaign, others see this as further evidence of deep-rooted corruption within high levels of government. As more details emerge, the eyes of the nation, and perhaps international authorities, remain fixed firmly on Kampala.