A high-stakes conflict is unfolding in Uganda between two influential Lebanese diplomats, each vying for dominance over business interests in the country.
The dispute, rooted in personal and professional rivalries, has significant implications for the relationship between Uganda and Lebanon, as well as for the Lebanese business community in Uganda.
The Main Players
Walid Abou Suleiman Mohammed was appointed Uganda’s Honorary Consul to Lebanon in 2022. Mohammed, who also owns the Middle East Restaurant in Kampala, quickly became a central figure in the Lebanese-Ugandan business sphere.
On the other side is Mohammed Yasser Ahmed, Lebanon’s long-standing Honorary Consul to Uganda. Yasser is a prominent businessman, owning major companies such as Hariss International and Biplous, a popular furniture showroom with multiple branches in Kampala.
He has lived and worked in Uganda for over 25 years, establishing deep roots and significant influence.
The Source of Conflict
Highly placed sources in the Lebanese community revealed the friction began in 2022 when Mohammed was appointed as Uganda’s Honorary Consul to Lebanon.
This appointment was not well received by Yasser, who perceived it as a threat to his established control over Lebanese business interests in Uganda.
According to insiders, Yasser saw Mohammed’s appointment as an encroachment on his domain, sparking a rivalry that has since escalated.
Allegations and Accusations
The conflict revolves around accusations and counter-accusations.
Yasser accuses Mohammed of being unfit for his role, labeling him as a “joker” who misled the Ugandan government into appointing him.
Sources add that has reportedly made concerted efforts to have Mohammed’s appointment rescinded, though without success.
“Yasser also claims that Mohammed has manipulated situations to create an impression of being under threat to gain sympathy and leverage,” a source privy to the discord said.
Mohammed, on the other hand, accuses Yasser of monopolizing Lebanese interests in Uganda.
He alleges that Yasser is a bully who uses his connections with high-ranking Ugandan officials from State House and UPDF to exert undue influence.
Mohammed claims Yasser has thwarted efforts for democratic leadership within the Lebanese community in Uganda and has used security agents to intimidate him.
Dangerous Escalation
The rivalry took a dangerous turn on May 9, 2024, when a violent incident occurred near Mohammed’s Middle East Restaurant in Bukoto.
Police officers from Kira Road Police opened fire in what was described as an anti-robbery operation.
However, Mohammed claimed it was an assassination attempt orchestrated to sabotage his business and threaten his life.
The police, however, dismissed these claims, stating their actions were purely aimed at preventing a robbery.
Diplomatic Interventions
The Ugandan government has been drawn into the fray, with significant diplomatic correspondence highlighting the gravity of the situation.
In a letter dated February 23, 2023, Uganda’s Foreign Minister Gen. Jeje Odong wrote to his Lebanese counterpart Abdallah Bou Habib expressing serious concerns about Yasser’s behavior.
He stated, “Not only has [Yasser] strenuously tried to impede and interfere with the process of accreditation of my country’s Honorary Consul, he has also extended his actions to the personal and family of the Honorary Consul. Such acts are not only undiplomatic but also injurious to the relations between our two countries.”
The letter concluded with Uganda’s withdrawal of confidence in Yasser and a request for his replacement.
President Museveni’s Support
Contradicting Minister Jeje Odong’s stance, President Yoweri Museveni wrote a letter on May 30, 2023, directing him to support Yasser.
In the letter, Museveni praised Yasser’s economic contributions, noting,
“I was pleased to learn of his numerous investments in the country, including his new Harris International Factory directly employing 2,200 Ugandans and paying UGX 150 billion in taxes annually.”
Museveni dismissed the allegations against Yasser as blackmail by unscrupulous individuals and instructed Gen. Jeje Odong to provide Yasser with necessary support.
Mediation Efforts
In a bid to resolve the conflict, several high-profile mediators have stepped in, Andrew Mwenda, a prominent journalist and political commentator, and Nzeire Kaguta, President Museveni’s young brother and other top government officials.
Their efforts aim to bring about a peaceful resolution and prevent further escalation.
The Bigger Picture
This diplomatic tussle is more than just a personal rivalry; it underscores the complex interplay of business interests, diplomatic protocols, and political influence.
The stakes are high, as both Mohammed and Yasser hold significant sway over Lebanese investments in Uganda, which are crucial for the economic ties between the two countries.
Achievements: Despite the challenges, Mohammed claims to have facilitated significant agreements between Ugandan and Lebanese firms, citing three major pacts since his appointment.
He argues that his efforts have yielded tangible benefits for both countries, contrasting with Yasser’s long tenure without similar achievements.
Influence: Yasser’s deep roots and extensive network in Uganda cannot be overlooked. His contributions to the economy through his businesses are substantial, and his close ties with Ugandan leadership give him considerable leverage.
Conclusion
The ongoing conflict between Walid Abou Suleiman Mohammed and Mohammed Yasser Ahmed is a multifaceted issue with deep implications for Ugandan-Lebanese relations. As mediators work towards a resolution, the situation remains tense, with both sides standing firm in their positions.
The outcome of this power struggle will likely shape the future of Lebanese business interests in Uganda and could set a precedent for how such diplomatic disputes are handled in the region.
The resolution of this conflict will require careful balancing of diplomatic etiquette, economic interests, and personal egos.
All stakeholders contacted for a comment weren’t at liberty to respond.
Minister Jeje Odong couldn’t be reached on phone. Equally the two diplomats were unavailable.