Ishaka, Bushenyi – Fresh allegations of unpaid work have rocked Kampala International University (KIU), after investigative journalist Ninye Tabz exposed what he describes as yet another case of a powerful businessman failing to honour obligations to local service providers.
The award-winning journalist took to X (formerly Twitter) on April 1, 2026, directly confronting Hassan Basajjabalaba, the owner of KIU, over allegations that he failed to fully pay contractor Taremwa Ronald of Roatwe Enterprises (U) Ltd for drilling eight boreholes at the university’s Western Campus in Ishaka.
Documents shared by Tabz indicate that the 2024 contract—valued at UGX 215 million—was signed between Basajjabalaba (listed as the borehole owner) and the contractor, with legal drafting by Paul Tusubira & Co. Advocates. The scope of work included drilling eight boreholes, installation of casings and screens, gravel packing, and full development to ensure safe and reliable water supply to the campus.
According to the agreement, an initial payment of UGX 12,500,000 was made, with the balance due upon completion and testing by the owner’s technical team. However, Tabz alleges that although the contractor fulfilled the contractual obligations, the outstanding balance remains unpaid.
Footage accompanying the exposé shows a heavy-duty drilling rig operating on the grounds of KIU Ishaka, with the বিশ্ববিদ্যাল’s distinctive yellow buildings visible in the background. Workers clad in safety gear are seen managing the machinery as water and debris surge from the boreholes—visual evidence suggesting the work was executed on site.
The revelations have sparked a wave of criticism online, with former KIU staff and contractors sharing similar claims of delayed or unpaid dues. One former employee alleged that even senior staff—including a doctor who reportedly served as Vice Chancellor at KIU’s Tanzania branch—went unpaid for two years. Others described what they termed a pattern of exploiting smaller service providers while the institution’s owner expands his business empire.
The backlash has since triggered the hashtag #BoycottKIU, with many Ugandans condemning what they see as a culture of impunity. “This habit of delaying small people’s money doesn’t look good,” one commenter wrote, while another added: “People get rich by denying labourers their wages and workers their salaries—it’s a common practice.”
Basajjabalaba has built KIU into one of Uganda’s largest private universities. However, these allegations raise renewed concerns about how the institution engages and compensates the contractors and workers who support its operations.
Watchdog Uganda will continue to follow this developing story. Key questions remain: Has the contractor received full payment? Will Basajjabalaba respond to the allegations? Or will this become yet another unresolved dispute?
In a country where small businesses and ordinary citizens already face significant economic pressure, such claims—if proven—underscore the urgent need for accountability. Authorities are being urged to investigate the matter and ensure justice for the affected contractor and any others who may have been similarly impacted.
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