Kampala, Uganda | The Kingdom of Eswatini has terminated the appointment of its Honorary Consul to Uganda, Mr. Quilino Bamwine, following serious allegations of fraud, extortion, and criminal involvement in questionable land transactions. The dismissal, announced through an official letter dated October 31, 2025, marks a significant diplomatic fallout between the Eswatini government and its former envoy in Kampala.
According to the letter issued by Eswatini’s Ambassador to the African Union, Ambassador Mahlaba A. Mamba, Mr. Bamwine was accused of engaging in unethical and illegal activities despite multiple warnings from the Eswatini Embassy. The communication cited additional allegations of serious misconduct, including “extortion, fraud, and other criminal activities,” which prompted the government to revoke his appointment immediately.
“The Embassy has been left with no option but to report your alleged misconduct to the relevant authorities,” Ambassador Mamba wrote, expressing concern that Bamwine’s actions had tarnished Eswatini’s reputation and jeopardized diplomatic relations.
Mr. Bamwine, who had been serving as Honorary Consul since his appointment in 2021, was expected to promote bilateral relations between Eswatini and Uganda, facilitate trade and investment, and offer consular support to Eswatini citizens in Uganda. However, sources indicate that his tenure became increasingly controversial after several individuals and organizations filed complaints accusing him of using his diplomatic title to defraud investors and manipulate land deals in Kampala and Wakiso.
The Eswatini government’s move has reignited public debate about the regulation and accountability of honorary consuls in Uganda. Unlike full ambassadors, honorary consuls are typically private citizens appointed to represent foreign interests but are not subject to the same level of diplomatic oversight. Analysts argue that the case exposes loopholes in Uganda’s monitoring of diplomatic representatives, some of whom exploit their positions for personal gain.
While Eswatini has acted decisively to distance itself from the scandal, Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to issue an official statement on the matter. However, sources within the ministry suggest that the case could trigger a review of the vetting process for foreign diplomatic appointees to ensure integrity and compliance with international conduct standards.
The scandal underscores broader concerns about diplomatic ethics and the potential misuse of consular privileges in Uganda. It also serves as a reminder that honorary titles carry significant responsibility and that any abuse of such trust can have far-reaching diplomatic and reputational consequences.