Kampala, Uganda | The Uganda Police Force has launched a criminal investigation into Quilino Bamwine, the former honorary consul of the Kingdom of Eswatini in Uganda, over allegations of land fraud totaling approximately Shs 1.3 billion (US$372,000). The case centers on failed property transactions in Kampala’s upscale neighborhoods of Kololo and Naguru.
The Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) has summoned Bamwine under case file KMP GEF 285/2025 for obtaining money by false pretences. Among the complainants is businessman Joel Kakira, who claims to have been defrauded during two aborted land deals. Bamwine was ordered to appear at the CID offices at the CPS Building in Kampala on October 30, 2025.
In response to the scandal, the Eswatini government revoked Bamwine’s appointment as honorary consul on October 31, 2025, citing repeated unprofessional conduct and failure to heed prior warnings from the Eswatini mission. Ugandan officials have confirmed that as an honorary consul, Bamwine does not hold diplomatic immunity and is fully subject to Uganda’s legal processes.
The case has raised concerns over the oversight of honorary diplomatic appointments in Uganda. Analysts point out that the combination of business interests and foreign representation can create opportunities for abuse, particularly in high-value real estate transactions. The investigation aims to verify documents, trace the flow of funds, and gather evidence on potential extortion and false-pretence claims.
Authorities have emphasized that if sufficient evidence is found, Bamwine could face prosecution under Uganda’s Anti-Corruption and property fraud laws. Legal experts suggest that the outcome may lead to stricter regulation of honorary diplomatic functions to prevent misuse of consular status and safeguard investor confidence in Uganda’s property sector.
As the investigation unfolds, the case serves as a warning to other honorary consuls and diplomats in Uganda, highlighting the need for transparency, accountability, and compliance with local laws in all official and private dealings.