Viral Video Revives 2023 Shs5 Million Iron Sheets Row Involving Bukoto Central MP Richard Ssebamala

UgandaToday: Viral Video Revives 2023 Shs5 Million Iron Sheets Row Involving Bukoto Central MP Richard Ssebamala

The resurfacing of a viral video showing two Catholic priests Fr. Gerald Lwanga and another priest over Shs5 million intended for iron sheets for a girls’ dormitory.The two who were accusing Bukoto Central Member of Parliament Richard Ssebamala of mishandling funds intended for a school girls’ dormitory has reignited public discussion over allegations that first emerged in 2023.

In the video, one of the priests alleges that the school entrusted Ssebamala with Shs5 million through Mobile Money after the legislator reportedly promised to add approximately Shs3.5 million to enable the purchase of iron sheets for roofing a girls’ dormitory.

According to the clerics, the expected iron sheets were never delivered within the agreed time, prompting them to publicly appeal for accountability.

The footage refers to the events occurring in “May” but does not specify the year. However, available public reports indicate that the dispute dates back to April and May 2023, when the matter first attracted widespread attention on social media and in sections of the Ugandan media.

Ssebamala’s Side of the Story

When the allegations first emerged, reports quoting individuals close to the MP disputed the accusations.

Those reports claimed that the priest had initially requested assistance in purchasing iron sheets worth about Shs12 million, having only Shs5 million available as a deposit. According to that account, Ssebamala allegedly secured a supplier while efforts were made to mobilise the remaining funds.

The reports further alleged that after disagreements arose, the MP refunded the Shs5 million via Mobile Money on 27 April 2023, and published what they described as WhatsApp conversations supporting that claim. The same reports also alleged that political actors had influenced the release of the viral video—an allegation that has not been independently verified.

UgandaToday has not independently authenticated the alleged Mobile Money transaction, the WhatsApp messages, or the circumstances surrounding the recording of the viral video.

Public Interest Questions

The renewed circulation of the footage has revived questions about:

• Whether the promised iron sheets were ever delivered to the school.
• Whether the Shs5 million was refunded in full.
• Whether the dispute was eventually resolved between the parties.
• Why the video has resurfaced several years after the events allegedly occurred.

As of publication, UgandaToday had not obtained any fresh statement from Hon. Richard Ssebamala or the priests featured in the video regarding its renewed circulation.

Editorial Disclaimer

UgandaToday Disclaimer: This story is published in the public interest following the widespread circulation of a viral video that has generated significant public discussion. The article is based on publicly available video footage and previously published reports, while also presenting publicly reported responses attributed to those associated with Hon. Richard Ssebamala. UgandaToday has not independently verified every factual assertion made in the video or in third-party reports. The publication does not intend to defame or prejudice any individual. Our constitutional and journalistic duty is to highlight matters of legitimate public concern so that relevant parties may respond, accountability can be promoted, and societal grievances may be addressed in the interest of justice, transparency, and harmonious coexistence. UgandaToday remains willing to publish any clarification, response, or rejoinder from all parties concerned in accordance with the principles of fair, balanced, and ethical journalism.