In a dramatic turn of events, Minister Balaam Barugahara has obtained a court order to auction part of the BMK estate, specifically a large apartment block located on Plot 46 Mulamula Road in Buziga.
The move comes as part of efforts to recover Shs 1.592 billion, a debt owed by Haruna Kalule Muwanga, one of BMK’s sons.
The debt, which originally stood at Shs1 billion, has ballooned over time due to accumulated interest.
Despite repeated attempts to negotiate repayment, Barugahara claims Haruna has failed or refused to settle the amount, leaving him with no choice but to seek legal intervention.
The Debt and the Court Order
Barugahara, a prominent businessman and now government minister, has emphasized his patience in handling the matter.
“I understand the pain the BMK family and their friends must be feeling, but as a businessman, I also struggle to recover my money. Forgiveness isn’t an option here,” he stated.
Armed with a court order issued by Mutesasira Associates, Barugahara has enlisted court bailiffs to oversee the public auction of the Buziga apartment block. The property, a significant asset for the BMK family, is now at risk of being sold to recover the debt.
Barugahara praised his lawyer, Owen Kusasira, for handling the matter with professionalism and decency.
“For months, I tried peaceful negotiations, but Haruna’s lack of cooperation left me with no choice but to escalate the matter,” he explained.
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A 30-Day Ultimatum
The BMK family has been given 30 days to raise the required amount and prevent the auction.
Barugahara has made it clear that if the debt is settled within this period, he will withdraw the court order and halt the sale of the property.
“If they pay the money, I will back off. But if they don’t, the auction will proceed as authorized by the court,” he said.
The Broader Implications
This development has sent shockwaves through the BMK family and their associates. The Buziga apartment block is not just a financial asset but also a symbol of the family’s legacy.
Its potential loss underscores the high stakes involved in this dispute.
For Barugahara, the situation is a matter of principle.
“I deserve appreciation for the patience I’ve shown. I gave them every opportunity to resolve this amicably, but they left me with no choice,” he asserted.
