Corruption, delays, and despair: The long walk for compensation for former Coffee Marketing Board employees

In 2022, a ground-breaking investigation by NBS Television exposed a network of corruption preying on the funds of former employees of the defunct Coffee Marketing Board in Uganda.

This network involved officials in law firms, government institutions, and high-ranking power brokers, all seeking to profit from the elderly’s hard-earned money.

But despite national attention and public outcry, those involved remain largely unpunished, continuing to scavenge from the coffers meant for the victims.

The NBS investigation revealed that the chief suspect, Kabonesa, continues to operate with impunity, living comfortably while the former employees struggle to survive.

Daniel Rubogo a lawyer and advocate to the aggrieved former coffee workers remarked,

"The former employees passed a resolution that they don’t want Kabonesa to continue handling their issues given the previous experiences they have had with him. He has never given accountability and he’s not given accountability."

One of the claimants, Sam Kasangaza, has been at the forefront of the long fight for compensation for over thirty years.

He laments the continued suffering of his colleagues, many of whom have died waiting for justice.

"It’s a pity to have such a corrupt government. For the last 30 years, people have died. Most of these are orphans but I’m grateful to still be alive, I will fight on till the end," he said.

Unfortunately, many claimants like Kasangaza face insurmountable odds. We previously highlighted the story of Jane Naiga, a frail mother struggling with cancer, who passed away before receiving the money she was owed. Her daughter, Faridah Kurji Lukwago, has since joined the fight.

"We are following up because she really needed her money," Faridah said.

Vincent Amuriat, another former employee, faces a similar plight. His health has deteriorated to the point where he can't afford treatment.

"My health is not up to date. I can't go for treatment—I was told to contribute four million. I failed," he explained.

Despite his struggles, he is aware of who is responsible for his torment.

"There's a man who is sitting on our money, it's Kabonesa. He claimed he worked with the Coffee Marketing Board, but he's never worked with coffee. So I'm appealing to the government to assist us so that those people pay us our money," Amuriat said.

The investigation brought the issue to the attention of the Principal Secretary to the Treasury, Ramathan Ggoobi, who convened a meeting to address the grievances. However, Kabonesa and his associates, including Solome Adome and James Musoke, quickly took legal action to challenge the resolutions made by the claimants.

This new development throws a wrench into the claimants' hopes for justice, with the court's decision effectively halting any progress on their claims.

In the meantime, many former employees continue to suffer. The judiciary is aware of the situation, but delays and legal maneuvers prevent the claimants from receiving what they are owed.

Despite all odds, the claimants are not giving up.

"The Supreme Court has pronounced itself on this matter; these other things are just administrative. They should be paid." stated Daniel Lubogo, lawyer to the claimants.

The battle against corruption in Uganda is ongoing, and the journey for compensation remains long and arduous.

While some have given up hope, others continue to fight. The reality is grim, but as Kasangaza and his fellow claimants continue to hold out hope, NBS Investigates will keep watching