Minister Kibuule under fire after bank incident, responds to accusations

Women activists under their umbrella body the Uganda Women Network (UWONET) have demanded the resignation of State Minister for Water Ronald Kibuule for allegedly assaulting a bank female security officer who attempted to search him.

Ronald Kibuule has denied the allegations, saying that all he did was caution the guard. He blamed his political opponents, who he said are “working around the clock to poison people’s minds and they jump to conclusions with a lot of insults.”

“The bank has CCTV cameras in and outside, and the footage can prove whether I beat this girl or not,” he said. “What I want to tell dear Ugandans is that am a woman activist, the allegations aren’t true, this is just the work of malicious haters.”

The accusation is that at the weekend, Kibuule allegedly beat Hellen Obuk, a female security officer at Stanbic bank Mukono branch, who was trying to search him as we went to withdraw money.

The bank issued a statement (below), calling it an unfortunate incident involving a private guard and their customer. They said they have reached out to both.

Uwonet unhappy

Addressing a press conference at their offices in Ntinda the executive director of UWONET Rita Aciro said the alleged conduct by Kibuule also Mukono North MP contravenes the domestic violence act 2010 and penal code act which criminalizes assault.

“His actions are detrimental to the promotion and protection of human rights in Uganda and most especially to the safety and dignity of women,” Aciro told the press.

“We reject leaders who exhibit a negative mindset towards women and girls to remain in public office, they will continue to use their power and authority to abuse and disregard women and girls human rights and dignity.” UWONET said in a statement.

“We are equally disappointed with Stanbic bank quick one sided apology to the Minister without clear investigation. We also hope that Stanbic bank does not condone these types of acts against women or any person.”