Our attention has been drawn to the publications of 1st July 2023 in the Bukedde newspaper under the heading “OBUKADDE 500 EZA PULEZIDENTI ZITABUDDE BANKUBA KYEYO” and the publications of 2nd and 3rd July 2023 in the New Vision and the Kampala Sun newspapers under the heading UNAA LEADERS ON THE SPOT OVER SHS 500M MUSEVENI CASH.
In the said publications, it was alleged that UNAA under the leadership of Ms. Henrietta Nairuba Wamala received a cash donation of USD 150,000.00 during the San Francisco convention in September 2022 from the Government of Uganda and that the same was swindled by the UNAA leaders. It was further alleged that UNAA leaders used the said money for partying and merrymaking.
We unequivocally state that these allegations are BASELESS and UNTRUE since no such money has ever been received by the UNAA leadership from the Government of Uganda as was alleged. The leadership of UNAA is comprised of dedicated individuals who volunteer their time and efforts to serve the community and an allegation of this nature undermines their commitment to the work they do for the community. The publication of an allegation of a “whistle blower” without taking steps to verify the allegations was in bad faith and actuated by malice to use the press a tool of blackmail and manipulation.
We therefore urge anyone who has been spreading or perpetuating these false allegations without any evidence to cease their actions immediately or else be subjected to legal action for damages arising from defamation. We will not tolerate the continued defamation of our officials or the dissemination of false information that aims at tarnishing their personal and professional reputations. Such behavior not only undermines the integrity of our organization but also harms the broader Ugandan North American community.
We would like to emphasize that the leadership positions within UNAA are voluntary and are taken up by individuals who are passionate about serving the community. We assure you that UNAA maintains strict financial protocols, including regular financial reports available to all members, to ensure transparency and accountability in all financial matters. Any insinuation of financial impropriety or misuse of organization funds is wholly unfounded and defamatory
We therefore urge the public to treat the said allegations and statements with the contempt they deserve. We remain committed to serving our community with integrity and transparency, and we are confident that the truth will prevail. We thank you for the trust reposed in the Leadership.
Sincerely,
Henrietta Nairuba Wamala
President & CEO, UNAA on behalf of the Ugandan North American Association Leadership.
